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No. lo. 


r' 


June 2ist, 1891. 


Price, 25 Cents. 


THE POPULAR SERIES ^ f f 


Issued Semi-Monthly. 


THE 

Diamond Seeker 

OF Brazil 


By Leon Lewis, 

Author of ‘‘Kit Carlson’s Last Trail,’’ etc. 


Single Numbers 25 Cents, 

By Subscriptiorif (24 Nos.) $6 per Annum. 

ROBERT BONNER’S SONS, 

NEW YORK. 


Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter, 


THE 


NEW YORK LEDGER. 

The Illustrated National Family 
Journal of To-day. 


A Great Quantity and Variety of Reading. 

T he enlarged size of the Ledger m new form enables the 

^ publishers to give such an extensive variety of reading 
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tainment in the purity of the stories. The following is only a 
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Amelia E. Barr, 

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Frances Hodgrson Burnett, 
Robert liouis Stevenson, 
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Col. Thomas W. Knox, 

“ Josiah Alienas Wife,” 
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Harold Frederic, 

The Marquise Lanza, 
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Oliver Dyer, 

Lieut. Frederick Schwatka, 
Mary 7 JafEbrd, 


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T his is a variety from which all can make a pleasing selection 
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For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of 
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Cor. William and Spruce Streets, New York. 



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DIAMOND SEEKER OF BRAZIL 


51 NobcI. 


l ■ 


BY 


Leon Lewis, 


Author of “Kit Carson’s Last Trail,” etc. 


“t- 


9 


o 

» 

» >> 


> 


NEW YORK : 

ROBERT BONNER’S 



PUBLISHERS. 


m£ popular series; issued semi-monthly. subscription PR1C£| six dollars per annum. no. 10, 
^UNE g1, IS'^t, ENTfiREO AT THE NEW YORK, N, r.| POST OFFICE AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER. 



Copyright, 1864 and 1891, 

By ROBERT BONNER’S SONS. 


{All rights reserved.) 





■(.'j ' 


PRESS OP 

THE NEW YORK LEDGER, 
NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER I. 

A TERRIBLE SECRET. 



STATELY vessel was a )proach- 
ing the harbor of Rio Janeiro, 
direct from Lisbon. Among her 
passengers was the Count de 
Paos and his only child, a golden- 
haired girl of thirteen or four- 
teen years. The count bad be- 
come dissatisfied with the admin- 
istration of public affairs in his 
native country, or disgusted 
with the preferment over him 
of men greatly his inferiors, and had accordingly 
made up his mind to emigrate to Brazil, with all 
his wealth, and purchase an estate in the province of 


8 


The Diamond Seeker, 


Rio. The peak of Coreovado had long been visi- 
ble, and the passengers were seated around the 
deck, or standing in groups forward, engaged in an 
earnest scrutiny of the shores to which their 
thoughts had so long been directed, while the count 
came out of the cabin and looked shorewards with 
the rest, exchanging a few words with his daughter. 

Here is to be our home, Berta,** he observed, as 
he extended one hand toward the setting sun, and 
drew the gentle girl affectionately to his breast 
with the other. Let the pain we have felt at leav- 
ing our ancestral halls be forgotten in this sunny 
realm. If your sainted mother were only alive and 
with us, I think we should have more to welcome 
here than to regret beyond the waters.*’ 

It was at this moment that the mate of the vessel, 
Joas Vallos, crossed the deck near the nobleman and 
his daughter, superintending the execution of some 
order ; and again, as had occurred many times dur- 
ing the voyage, he heard a number of voices remark- 
ing upon the striking resemblance he bore to the 
noble passenger. In good truth, he was about the 
same age, with hair and complexion of the same hue, 
with a form of the same height and proportions, and 
with a very perfect general likeness. The only 
noticeable difference in their appearance were those 
owing to their different characters, habits, dress, etc. 
The mate had an evil expression on his countenance 
which the count had not, and his eyes frequently 
gleamed with a light which no one ever saw in the 


A Terrible Secret, 


9 


calm and honest gaze of the nobleman ; but there 
was an unmistakable resemblance between them. 

“ That man !** whispered Berta to her father, with 
a shudder, as she averted her eyes from the mate. 
“ How his glances have watched and menaced us ! 
I fear he has some evil purpose against us.*' 

“ Oh, no," responded the count, with a soothing 
and assuring smile. “ What evil purpose could he 
have? We shall be rid of all these unpleasant 
associations in a few hours." 

The duty which had called the mate forward hav- 
ing been performed, he sauntered aft, with a few 
stealthy glances at the count and his child. As he 
approached the wheel, where a number of seamen 
were standing, he singled out one of them with an 
expressive gesture, and went below, immediately 
followed by the sailor. When they had reached the 
lower hold, the mate paused, in the semi-twilight 
there reigning, and said : 

“Well, Grotos, how do you feel about the pro- 
ject ?" 

“ As before," was the whispered reply. 

“That's good," muttered Vallos. “Not three 
minutes ago, while forward, I heard half a dozen 
voices discussing my resemblance to the count ; and 
this fact would have decided me, if I had felt any 
hesitation in the matter." 

“ Well, the plan is to be carried out ?" inquired 
the sailor. 

“ To the letter " replied the mate. “ Let us now 


lO 


The Diamond Seeker, 


understand each other, and fully note the work to 
he done. Here is the Count de Paos, emigrating to 
Brazil, an entire stranger to everybody, with a vast 
amount of money and jewels, bills of exchange, and 
all that sort of thing. Here am I, a perfect image 
of the count, without money or friends, and the 
mere mate of a vessel. Having brains, however, 
with a clear head, desperate courage, and a sworn 
resolve to rise in the world at somebody's expense, 
I have resolved to remove the count as soon as he 
goes ashore, and to step into his shoes." 

“ Exactly," ejaculated Grotos, with a courageous 
appreciation of the daring scheme. ‘‘ The count is 
to be shut up or destroyed, while you step into his 
station and honors. I have promised my assistance 
for a third of all the money you realize from the 
job. But what shall we do with the'girl ?" 

“ She shall follow her father's fate," said Vallos, 
whatever that may be. Perhaps we shall not have 
to kill them. It is enough for the present that we 
will not hesitate at anything essential to our 
success." 

The project was further discussed by the two 
villains, and then, not to attract notice, they returned 
to their duties. 

As such a villainous plot as this brief conversa- 
tion had unfolded could be conceived only by an 
intelligent and accomplished rascal, it may be well 
to remark that Joas Vallos was no vulgar knave, 
but an educated spendthrift and profligate, who had 


A Terrible Secret, 


1 1 


once moved in a respectable circle, and who, after 
breaking the hearts of his parents, had rapidly 
sunken to the sphere in which we find him. 

For some months he had been canvassing desper- 
ate schemes of bettering his fortunes, and this 
project concerning the Count de Paos had presented 
itself to his mind in a season of bitterness and 
dissatisfaction, when he was ready for any measure, 
however desperate, which promised such a desirable 
change in his lot. He had found an accomplice in 
one of the common sailors of the vessel, a fellow as 
reckless and wicked as himself, and the atrocious 
plot was now fully discussed and settled. 

All unaware of this terrible scheme against him, 
the count had cherished the most hopeful anticipa- 
tion of his future. After reaching the city, and 
passing through the usual trials of the custom house, 
etc., he and his daughter had proceeded to a hotel, 
without noticing that they were followed and 
watched by the two plotters. Berta’s nurse had 
died on the passage, so that she and her father had 
not a single acquaintance in the country, although 
he had brought various letters of introduction. 

The following morning, immediately after break- 
fast, the count was waited upon by a real estate 
agent, who, having seen the count’s name in a list 
of arrivals in a daily journal, and presuming that he 
would be pleased to hire or buy an , establishment, 
had taken the liberty of inviting his attention to a 
most desirable property just out of the city, dn the 


The Diamond Seeker, 


I 2 


direction of Coreovado. The agent had brought a 
carriage with him, the ride promised to be pleasant, 
and there were several hours to spare before the 
count could see his bankers and other correspon- 
dents, so that he concluded, after inquiring the 
views of Bertha, to accept the invitation of the 
agent, and the party were soon driving outside the 
city. 

Discoursing pleasantly by the way, and enjoying 
the fresh air and beautiful scenery, they had reached 
a lonely place, in an obscure path approaching the 
mountain, when the count and Berta beheld a man 
advancing to meet them — a man who was dressed 
exactly like the count, wearing a similar beard, and 
bearing a complete resemblance to him. 

“ Look, father exclaimed Berta. What does 
this mean T 

And she became deathly pale. 

“ There is some plot here,” responded the count. 
“ That man is the mate of the vessel in which we 
came from Lisbon. Hold on, Senor, I ” 

Joas reached the side of the carriage with a few 
hasty steps, at the same instant that Grotos — for the 
pretended agent was he — stopped his horses. Before 
the count could comprehend the intentions of the 
ruffians, they threw themselves upon him, overpow- 
ering him in a moment, and binding him hand and 
foot. Berta had fainted at the first signs of this 
violence. 

Not a word, count,” said Vallos, in a fierce whis- 


A Terrible Secret, 


13 


per. “ No help can come to you here. You must 
submit to your fate.” 

Placing himself beside the helpless nobleman, he 
bade Grotos resume the reins and drive deeper into 
the solitudes adjoining the mountain. They at 
length reached a little cabin, half hidden under 
luxuriant vegetation, which the scheming mate had 
visited beforehand, and where it was proposed to 
confine the prisoner for the present. Hitching his 
horses, Grotos bore the unconscious girl into the hut, 
followed by his accomplice, bearing her father. 

Now to enlighten you a little,” said the trium- 
phant villain, as he placed his prisoner on the hard 
floor. “ Your honored name, your wealth, my resem- 
blance to you — in short, all the circumstances of our 
respective lives — ^have induced me to take the 
extraordinary measures of which you are the object. 
From this moment you are as the dead, at the best 
an unfortunate relative of mine, and I am the Count 
de Paos ! I have been up all night, arranging my 
plans, procuring a garb suitable to my new con- 
dition, and perfecting my little resemblances to you. 
The result of all these preparations is that you will 
be taken up into the wildness as a madman fancying 
yourself a count — your daughter unfortunately 
inheriting your malady — while I, taking all your 
money and papers, etc., will enter upon a pleasant 
career as the Count de Paos !” 

Oh, monster ! fiend !” exclaimed the count, with 
the air of a man thoroughly horrified and appalled. 


H 


The Dia^nond Seeker, 


I am aware of the blame you can reasonably 
attach to this conduct,” said Vallos, in a cold and 
implacable voice, “ but it is the scheme of the unwise 
that the happiness of one man must be built upon 
the misery of another. You must be abased that I 
may be exalted. I cannot and will not drag out the 
miserable existence I have been recently leading. 
All I can say is that I will do you and your daughter 
no unnecessary injury. Your wealth and station are 
the sole objects of my ambition ; but to acquire them 
I would not shrink from any peril nor recoil from 
any crime !” 

He turned to Grotos, addressing a few words to 
him, and the latter set out on his return to the city 
with the carriage. Vallos remained with his victim, 
robbing him of all his papers and valuables, and 
occasionally condescending to answer his reproaches 
and expostulations. In the course of two hours his 
accomplice came back and relieved him, and he 
then proceeded boldly to the hotel where the count 
had been stopping, and called for his bill and settled 
it, remarking that he had found a house to suit 
him. 

In the course of the forenoon Vallos, as the 
Count de Paos, presented his drafts and bills of 
exchange, and received the most distinguished con- 
sideration. Having been practicing more than two 
weeks, in his leisure moments, on the signature of 
his victim, he had no difficulty in signing the name 
he had assumed, He purchased a large tract of 


A Terrible Secret. 


15 


land in an uninhabited section of the country, 
among- the sources of the Parahiba river, and made 
his preparations for removing his prisoners thither. 
About the middle of the afternoon, having hired a 
car for himself and his unfortunate relatives, as he 
termed the count and his daughter, he proceeded 
direct to Valenca, the northernmost terminus of 
the newly-built railroad. He was attended by 
Grotos, by two villainous-looking overseers, and by 
a negro woman he had bought as a nurse for the 
girl. 

The next day, having procured some mules at 
Valenca, he set out for his newly acquired estate. 
We will not attempt to follow him through all his 
operations. Suffice it to say that he was absent 
from Rio six or seven weeks. Grotos returned 
with him, and both were in the most jubilant mood 
possible. After a few days of inquiry, the false 
count purchased a handsome estate in the suburbs 
of Petropolis, in a fertile valley between that city 
and the head of the bay ; and a few days more 
found him comfortably settled on this estate and 
beginning to emerge into an enviable notoriety as 
the noble Count de Paos. 

‘‘And now,*' said Grotos, the evening after his 
confederate had entered into full possession of his 
stolen honors, and while they were seated in the 
parlor of his splendid residence , “ I want you to 
come to a settlement. At last we are completely 
triumphant. The real count is safely imprisoned in 


i6 


The Diamond Seeker. 


a Brazilian wilderness, under the charge of a couple 
of men who are even worse than you or I, while we 
have come into possession of his wealth and station. 
I now want my third of the spoils. I think of set- 
ting up as a Grand Lama myself.” 

‘‘Very well, Grotos,” replied Vallos. “I am at 
your service. As you say, we are triumphant. 
The only thing remaining to be done is to write to 
my wife, and tell her that I am dead. If you will 
have the goodness to 'write a few lines from my dic- 
tation, the last tie between us and the past will be 
severed, and we shall be ready to enter upon our 
new existence.” 

Grotos expressed his readiness to serve his accom- 
plice. Vallos produced writing materials, and the 
unsuspecting Grotos seated himself at a desk, in one 
corner of the apartment, and wrote the desired 
letter from his dictation. 

“Thatlldothe business for her,” muttered Vallos, 
as his eyes glanced over the epistle. “You are 
pained to announce, as a seaman of my vessel, 
that I am accidently drowned, and that you enclose 
the wages due me, and so forth ! Very good. Just 
address an envelope, and then we shall be ready to 
devote our attention to our accounts.” 

While Grotos was engaged in this final service, 
Vallos drew a heavy pistol from the breast of his 
coat, and prepared to execute the purpose he had 
formed. The instant the ansuspecting confederate 


A Terrible Secret, 


17 


had addressed the letter, a furious blow descended 
upon his unprotected head, and he fell to the floor. 

“ I had to do it,” was the comment of Vallos, in a 
perfectly calm tone of voice. Grotos was a good 
fellow, but decidedly vulgar — incapable of raising 
himself to the position of a gentleman. In two 
months he would have squandered his share of the 
money at the gaming table, and been dogging me 
for more. Besides, he has a low love for liquor, and 
would have betrayed my secrets in his cups. This 
is the only way in which I can make all sure.” 

He raised the insensible body in his arms, and 
bore it down to the cellar. Beneath this cellar 
there was a stout wine vault, guarded by an iron 
door, which even the thieving negroes of Brazil 
would have found it difficult to force. Depositing 
the body of his friend in this tomb-like vault, 
Vallos closed and locked the entrance and returned 
to the parlor. 

‘‘ Thus I destroy the last trace of Joas Vallos,” he 
muttered, ‘‘and enter fair and square upon my 
career as the Count de Paos. I now see my way 
clear. I shall produce my letters of introduction, be 
presented at Court, enter the best society, revel in 
every luxury, and perhaps marry a noble and beauti- 
ful heiress of the province.” 

Thus starting upon his new career of iniquity, the 
false Count de Paos realized an existence which far 
surpassed his wildest hopes. As it was known that 
the count had been attended by his daughter, it 


i8 


The Diamond Seeker. 


became necessary for him to remark that she had 
gone to Paris to complete her education. As it was 
further known that the count was a widower, he 
found himself an object of much interest among the 
ladies of the circle in which he moved. He sent to 
his wife the letter Grotos had written at his dicta- 
tion, and gave the body of his unfortunate but guilty 
confederate a decent, but secret burial, the night 
after he had come to his end by the slow process of 
starvation. He was presented to the emperor, who 
thanked him for enriching the country with his 
honored name and wealth, and eventually he was 
selected by Don Pedro to be his private secretary. 
He studied hard, drilled himself in politeness, in 
languages, and in accomplishments ; resolutely 
casting off everything that savored of his former 
life, and acquiring those qualifications he deemed 
essential to the character he had assumed. In this 
round of successes and triumphs, a number of years 
glided away. 



CHAPTER II. 

A COFFEE ESTATE IN BRAZIL. 

In the vicinity of Petropolis, the royal residence 
of Brazil, there is an immense coffee plantation, con- 
sisting of several thousand acres, which was 
formerly owned by a wealthy Portuguese gentleman, 
named Dos Montes. The Senor was a gruff and 
taciturn parent ; exclusively devoted to business ; a 
hard master to his numerous slaves ; and an over- 
bearing and litigious neighbor. • For several years 
he had been in the habit of shipping a thousand 
sacks of coffee yearly from his warehouse on Palace 
Square, in Rio, to say nothing of the sugar and 
other products of his estate, so that he had become 
one of the richest planters in the province. 

The family of Dos Montes comprised only him- 
self and his daughter, Nona ; his wife — ^who had 
been an English girl, the daughter of a British 
Consul at Rio — having been dead several years. 
Nona was eighteen years of age, and endowed 
through her mother with rare loveliness and intelli- 


20 


The Diamond Seeker. 


gence, and with those finer graces and endowments 
which beautify even beauty. For a year or two 
past, as Senor Dos Montes marked the increase of 
his vast riches, and noted with pride the ripening 
charms of Nona, an evil ambition had been growing 
in his mind — a desire to marry the beauteous girl to 
some high dignitary of the empire, and to gain 
through that act some post of honor under the 
government. A longing for power had become 
even stronger in his soul than his love of money, 
and he had accordingly favored the suit of the 
Count de Paos, secretary of his majesty, Don Pedro 
— a suitor who stood very high in the favor and 
confidence of his imperial master. 

There was a difficulty in the way of this subject, 
however, as we shall see — the lovely Nona having 
sometime previously given her heart and promised 
her hand to a young man named Bertram Bavaro, 
who had been several years a chief clerk in the 
shipping-house of her father. As all these circum- 
stances, and the situation of our characters in 
respect to the others, can be best developed in the 
progress of our story, we will enter promptly upon 
the stirring record. 

Late one afternoon, Senor Dos Montes stood 
near the wide-arched gate that opened upon the 
road, and gazed about him, with a satisfied air, upon 
his vast possessions. Just before him stretched a 
broad avenue which led directly up to the main 
entrance of his mansion, and was bordered on each 


A Coffee Estate in Brazil. 21 


side with even rows of coffee trees, through the 
branches and foliage of which flickered the last rays 
of the setting sun. The mansion itself was large, 
square and roomy ; built in the European style, 
with French windows opening on wide piazzas 
which encircled the house ; and stood on a slight 
elevation. On either side of it were groves of 
palms and oranges, and here and there a forest 
tree, draped with clinging parasites, towered high 
above the rest. Back of the house were the most 
gorgeous flow-ers that a tropical climate can produce, 
and trees with a wild luxuriance of foliage and 
sweet-scented blossoms, and in the center of this 
garden was a large and beautiful fountain com- 
pletely shaded on every side. On one hand were 
the coffee fields, with groups of busy slaves picking 
berries, and in the distance were the negro quarters, 
in the centre of which, in its little tower, hung the 
great plantation bell which was used to summon 
the slaves to and from work. The soft green of the 
smoothly-shaven lawn afforded relief to the eye 
from the brilliant foliage on every side. The day 
had been unusually warm, even for Brazil ; but, as 
evening approached, soft breezes swept inward 
from the sea and downward from the mountains 
and lent a delicious coolness to the air. 

Senor Dos Montes turned towards the dusty 
road, and said, aloud : 

“ The Count de Paos will soon be here, and I may 
as well go in and prepare Nona to receive him.*’ 


22 


The Diamond Seeker. 


He walked slowly up the avenue and entered the 
house. The room to which he retired, the library 
of his elegant mansion, was fitted up in the most 
costly European style, and he seated himself in the 
soft cushions of his elbow chair with enviable feel- 
ings of satisfaction. As he bent forward to arrange 
his gouty foot on its cushions, preparatory to sum- 
moning his daughter to his presence, he glanced 
through the open window and beheld Nona, at some 
distance, standing in the shade of a cinchona tree in 
deep conversation with a man who appeared to be a 
muleteer. With a gesture and look of annoyance, 
Senor Dos Montes rang the bell to summon her to 
his presence. At the same moment his ear caught 
the sound of wheels, and soon after a servant 
ushered the expected visitor into the apartment. 

Joas Vallos, or the false Count de Paos, had 
changed greatly since he was the mate of a vessel 
four years before. He was apparently about forty 
years of age, with that formal and studied suavity 
which universally characterizes a treacherous rascal. 
He was dressed with as much care and elegance as 
if he had been on an embassy to a king. His fin- 
gers glittered with diamonds, and he wore a profu- 
sion of lace and ruffles. His appearance would have 
been decidedly foppish had it not been for the port- 
liness of his figure. As he extended his hand to 
Dos Montes, with a bow and a scarcely audible 
greeting, there was something really sinister in the 


A Coffee Estate in B^'aziL 


23 


light of his dark eyes, and in the cold and hollow 
intonation of his voice. 

“ I am glad, my dear Count, you have not failed 
to come,'' said the planter, when the servant had 
withdrawn and the visitor was comfortably seated 
by his side ; and now we will proceed " 

The count interrupted the speaker by a gesture, 
as he glanced rapidly and searchingly around, with 
the wary and cautious air suited to a conspirator. 

It is all right — we are quite alone," replied Dos 
Montes to the mute inquiry. My boys know that 
I would take off their ears — or heads, for that matter 
— if I caught them listening. Besides, we can be 
cautious !" 

Speaking in low tones, the two men entered upon 
a conversation of the most interesting nature. 

Since I was here," said the secretary, after a few 
preliminary remarks, some most astounding devel- 
opments have taken place at the Palace. His maj- 
esty is quite out of patience with Senor Cordelho 
the Prime Minister, and has asked me, in confidence, 
to suggest a successor !" 

‘‘Well, well," ejaculated Senor Dos Montes, with 
a sudden fiush on his face. 

“As I at once thought of you/* continued the vis- 
itor, “ I made up my mind not to present any name 
to his Majesty until after I had seen you." 

The planter was momentarily speechless. At last 
the power he had so earnestly coveted seemed about 
to be placed in his hands. 


24 


The Diamond Seeker, 


If, therefore,” the count proceeded, you are 
willing to accept the high post in question, I do not 
doubt but that you can have it. I would respect- 
fully suggest that you lend his Majesty a handsome 
sum of money, as you can doubtless do without any 
inconvenience. You know the treasury is empty, 
and the revolutionists are still rampant in various 
parts ot the empire. As a new power at the helm of 
State, it will be a wise measure for you to bring for- 
ward a national loan, and to strengthen the gov- 
ernment to a reasonable extent with your own 
resources.” 

^‘All this I am ready to do,” replied Dos Montes. 
“ I shall be only too happy to serve his Majesty in 
any capacity in which I can be useful.” 

“ Then, as I said before, there is no doubt of your 
elevation to the post. I will recommend you to his 
Majesty the first thing in the morning. I can tell 
him, without fiattering you, that you are eminently 
fitted for such a marked example of his respect and 
confidence ; that you represent the great landed 
and productive interests of the empire ; and that no 
better selection can be made from his subjects. In 
a word, you can depend upon being officially called, 
at an early day, to the position you are so well qual- 
ified to take.” 

Again Dos Montes was overcome by his emotions. 
He could only grasp the hand of his visitor, and 
cling to it with a warmth that would have embar- 


A Coffee Estate in Brazil, 


25 


rassed a less self-possessed man than the Count de 
Paos. 

^^And now that this affair is settled, let me allude 
to the services I require at your hands, Senor Dos 
Montes,*’ continued the secretary. “ You understand 
what I mean ? More than ten years have passed 
since the death of my wife, and over a third of that 
period since my poor daughter died in Paris. In a 
word, I think I have been bound up in my bereave- 
ments long enough.” 

“ You refer, of course, to your proposed marriage 
with my daughter,” replied Dos Montes, eventually 
finding his voice. “ Depend upon the accomplish- 
ment of your every wish in this matter. I have 
already announced to Nona that I have chosen you 
to be her husband.” 

And what is her answer ?” 

To be frank with you,” replied Dos Montes, after 
some hesitation and embarrassment, she has 
offered some opposition to my wishes ; an opposition 
you must not take at all to heart, since it arises 
from no other consideration than that she is not 
much acquainted with you. I trust all her little 
prejudices will be readily overcome, and that she 
will receive you as a husband with the same pride 
and joy with which I shall receive you as a son.” 

For an instant there was a half-convulsive expres- 
sion on the countenance of the secretary, an expres- 
sion which betrayed that he was deeply in love with 
Nona, and terribly anxious about the result of his 


26 


The Diamond Seeker, 


suit, as if he were not wholly unconscious of the dif- 
ficulties in the way of his wooing. 

‘‘Let us not deceive ourselves, my dear Dos 
Montes,'’ was the response, in a serious and thought- 
ful tone of voice. “ I have been assured that the 
heart of Nona is another’s ; that she is engaged — 
yes, positively engaged — to a young fellow who was 
formerly in your employ ” 

“ The story is false, Count,” interrupted Dos 
Montes, in a state of feverish wrath and excitement. 
“ She would not dare to engage herself to any one 
without my knowledge and approval.” 

He calmed himself in a moment, and added, with 
an assumed smile : 

“ It is true that there is a foundation for the rumor 
to which you have given expression ; true that Nona 
had a fancy for Bavaro, in her childish years. He 
had saved her from drowning in the bay, and, as my 
chief clerk, had frequent access to my house. I dis- 
missed him, of course, the instant I found out his 
presumption, and he started for the diamond dis- 
tricts of the interior, in the desperate hope of finding 
diamonds enough to give him a right, as far as 
money is concerned, to ask Nona’s hand in marriage. 
‘ Brazil furnishes diamonds to the whole world,’ he 
said to me, ‘ and great fortunes are made in seeking 
them.’ With this he signified his intention of going 
diamond-hunting ; and, as he is one of those clever 
fellows everybody ought to wish well, I told him he 


A Coffee Estate iii BraziL 


27 


should have Nona if he came back with diamonds 
enough to suit me.” 

The secretary looked exceedingly grave at this 
announcement, and ejaculated : 

“ What if he should come back ?” 

“He won't,” responded Dos Montes. “I hap- 
pen to know that he will never return to this 
vicinity — ^never ! There is no occasion, my dear 
Count, to give yourself the least uneasiness on his 
account. I swear to you, by everything sacred, that 
no one but yourself shall ever marry my daugh- 
ter !” 

“ Enough ! I will take courage.” 

“ That’s right ! Come up and dine with me, 
to-morrow or next day, and you shall see Nona and 
enter fairly upon your relations to us as an accepted 
suitor for her hand.” 

“ Thanks, thanks ! But what, may I ask, is likely 
to be the nature of my reception ? She has shunned 
and avoided me continually, or else treated me with 
studied coldness. My past experiences, in the 
attempt to win her affections, have been anything 
but pleasant !” 

“ She shall treat you so no longer,” responded 
Dos Montes, with a scowl on his face. “ I will be 
obeyed, as her father. I will lose no time in giving 
her my commands, and can safely promise that you 
will find her agreeable and sociable when you again 
come to see me.” 


28 


The Diamond Seeker. 


The Count de Paos involuntarily sighed as he lis- 
tened to this assurance, and then said : 

“Very well, my dear Dos Montes. I will depend 
upon your authority as Nona's father and upon your 
good will. You can place equal dependence upon 
me, as regards the advancement of your interests 
with his Majesty. Thus we can render a mutual 
service and acquire a mutual advantage." 

Senor Dos Montes produced some wine, and the 
two men further discussed their several projects. 
Their eventual agreement was that Dos Montes 
should be Prime Minister, through the favor of the 
secretary ; and that the latter should be the hus- 
band of Nona, through the favor of her father. 
And so everything was satisfactorily arranged, as 
far as the wishes and plans of the two men were 
concerned. 

When the secretary of his Majesty had returned 
to the carriage in which he had come down from 
the royal residence, and had fairly taken his depar- 
ture, Dos Montes again touched a bell and sent a 
domestic to summon his daughter to his presence. 
Scarcely a moment elapsed before she made her 
appearance. 

“ Dear father," she said, as she seated herself in 
the chair recently occupied by the count, “ I have 
been waiting an hour for that odious secretary to 
go ! I have good news to tell you." 

He looked sternly at her, without speaking, pro- 


A Coffee Estate m Brazil, 


29 


yoked by the manner in which she had alluded to 
the Count de Paos. 

The truth is/' the gentle girl continued — not 
without some blushes and timidity — “ I have just 
received a message from Bertram. He has nearly 
recovered from his illness and is coming home in a 
few days, with a whole handful of diamonds ! As 
you promised me to him on condition of his acquir- 
ing wealth enough to support me, I hope you will 
not make any further objections to our marriage, 
and " 

‘‘ Silence, girl !" interrupted Dos Montes, in a 
towering passion, as he started to his feet and com- 
menced pacing to and fro. What do you mean by 
bringing that worthless fellow up at such a 
moment ? If he had all the diamonds on the earth, 
he should never marry you ! Have you no ambi- 
tion, child? Would you not like to bear a noble 
title and shine at his Majesty's court ?" 

He paused abruptly for an answer. 

“ No," replied Nona, in a gentle though firm tone. 
“ I have no such ambition, father, if I must sacrifice 
my heart to accomplish it. I had rather be the 
wife of Bertram Bavaro, and assist him in earning 
our daily bread, than to marry an emperor without 
love !" 

“ Fool, fool !" ejaculated Dos Montes, bitterly. 
‘‘ Would you rush headlong to destruction ? I will 
no longer submit to such notions on your part. 
It is time you had outgrown these silly and roman- 


30 


The Diamond Seeker. 


tic notions and become a woman. The noble Count 
de Paos, whose family is one of the oldest in Portu- 
gal, has done us the honor of proposing for your 
hand. As his wife you would be envied by every 
woman in Brazil. He is wealthy, and I should give 
you a magnificent dowry, so that no happiness 
would be denied you. What do you say to his 
offer ?’* 

“Tell the Count de Paos,” said Nona, with a 
slight fiush on her cheek, “that I appreciate the 
honor he would do us, but that I decline to be his 
wife.” 

“But I command you to receive his addresses,” 
exclaimed Dos Montes, in a loud and angry tone. 
“You have never disobeyed me before, and you will 
not begin now! You shall treaty him with the 
respect due your betrothed husband when he dines 
with me to-morrow.” 

“ I have given you my answer, dear father,” 
replied Nona, quietly. “ I can never be his wife ! 
I am promised to Bertram Bavaro, who is returning 
with the ability to fulfil the sole condition you 
imposed upon him — the acquisition of sufficient 
wealth to support me in the style to which I have 
been accustomed and — ” 

“ Silence, I tell you !” interrupted Dos Montes, 
with an apoplectic flush on his countenance, as the 
fear took possession of his heart that his elevation to 
the post of prime minister was becoming exceed- 
ingly problematical. “You shall be the count’s 


A Coffee Estate m Brazil, 


31 


wife two weeks from to-night, as certainly as you 
live ! You shall receive him to-morrow as an 
accepted suitor and an honored guest ! Go to your 
room, and let me hear no more of that accursed dia- 
mond seeker, whom I hope the jaguars and pumas 
have devoured before this !’' 

The girl looked sorrowfully at her enraged parent 
for a moment, endeavoring to defend herself and 
appease his anger ; but his rage increased so much 
that she soon retired from the apartment. 

“ Destruction seize him !” exclaimed the planter, 
when he was alone. How is it that he is still in 
the land of the living ? still writing to my daughter ? 
A week ago, on learning from Nona where he was, 
and that he had secured the diamonds, I sent a mes- 
senger to Jorge Melendez, the fierce bandit, telling 
him where he could find a prize worthy of his notice. 
Can it be that the bandit has failed to rob or kill 
him ?” 



CHAPTER III. 

THE DIAMOND SEEKER. 

In a wild mountain gorge of the vSerra Mantiguera, 
a hundred miles north of Rio J aneiro, where rocks 
rise above rocks, and crags above crags, thousands 
of feet above the rude paths winding at their base, 
there was a small posada^ or inn, where Bertram 
Bavaro, the lover of Nona, had passed through the 
dangers and sufferings of a severe illness. He had 
been attacked here with a fever, when thus far on his 
homeward journey, and would have died if it had 
not been for the devotion of a couple of assiduous 
friends — the wife of his host, and a comrade, named 
Pizarro, a young Spaniard, who had roamed over 
three-fourths of the habitable globe, and had joined 
our hero in his search for diamonds. 

For more than two weeks Bertram had raved 
concerning Nona, his jewels, etc., barely retaining 
his hold upon life ; but he was at length out of 
danger and rapidly convalescing, so that he had 
already sent letters to his betrothed, announcing his 


The Diamofid Seeker, 


33 


speedy return, as we have seen in the chapter pre- 
ceding. 

On the very evening succeeding the afternoon on 
which the false Count de Paos and Senor Dos 
Montes were disposing of Nona's hand, without so 
much as asking her leave, Bavaro was swinging in 
his hammock, under a rosewood tree, in a little dell 
just back of the inn mentioned. His face was 
terribly pale, and his form reduced to a mere 
skeleton of the hale and hearty man who, three 
weeks before, had been striding homeward at a rate 
of speed which would have exhausted an ordinary 
mule ; but the old look of manliness and intelligence 
was on the face of the young hero, and whenever 
he thought of Nona the old look of love was in his 
eyes. He had caused his hammock to be hung in 
this spot in the morning, and the warmth of the air, 
the gentle zephyrs occasionally stirring the leaves, 
and the rugged sublimity and beauty of the whole 
scene had enchained him nearly all day in this snug 
covert. 

‘‘And so," was his low-toned soliloquy, as he 
looked musingly up at the clear sky, “ I have con- 
quered ! No question of wealth can now come 
between me and my dear Nona ! I have been far 
more successful than my most sanguine hopes 
promised ! These diamonds," and he placed his 
hand upon a package sewed in the breast of his 
coat, “ are worth, at the least, more than a hundred 
thousand dollars. The hand of providence has 


34 


The Diamond Seeker, 


clearly been with me in all my struggles and suffer- 
ings, and at last I am near my reward !” 

While he was thus reposing in his hammock, with 
his thoughts in the strange world — half imagination 
and half reality — of convalescence, his comrade 
came forth from the inn and approached him. 
Pizarro was the beau ideal of an adventurer, one day 
in the uppermost heaven of careless gaiety, and the 
next in the lowest abysses of despair. He spoke 
half a dozen languages fluently, possessed a cosmo- 
politan heart, had tried his hand at almost every- 
thing, and passed through a host of vicissitudes and 
perils. If his eventful history could have been 
recorded, with one-half of the graces with which its 
varied chapters were told by him, it would have 
made one of the most interesting narratives ever 
committed to writing. He had graphic powers of 
story-telling, which made him the solace of a long 
journey, the muleteers forgetting their aches and 
pains in listening tc him. Besides all these lighter 
charms of hi^ character, there was no man so 
serviceable and trustworthy as he. If a mule fell 
over the rocks, Pizarro was the man who recovered 
the load of the animal from the abyss into which he 
had fallen. If any one was sick, Jose was the first 
to nurse him ; and if any one wanted money, was in 
trouble, or had met with any mishap or grievance 
whatever, Jose was the very first person to whom 
application was made. In a word, he was the life 
and soul of any circle in which he moved. 


The Diamond Seeker, 


35 


And yet the saddest of tragedies was hidden tinder 
the smiling and pleasant exterior of Jose Pizarro. 
He had loved a gentle and noble girl, in the years of 
his early manhood, but she had died before the time 
appointed for their marriage. Years had passed 
since then, but he could not speak of his lost Dolores 
without unutterable grief and regret. He held 
her memory in the deepest veneration, and the sad 
event exercised almost insensibly a chastening and 
ennobling influence over his whole life. At times 
he was as light-hearted as a school-girl, and at 
others moody and reckless, he being no exception 
to the leading characteristics of men of deep thoughts 
and great sorrows. 

Ah ! here you are,*' he said to Bertram. What 
a glorious night ! Just such an hour as takes me 
back to past romances and past dreams — the balls of 
Paris and Vienna, the gondolier parties of Venice, 
and the fandangoes of Mexico ! It is on such nights 
as this that one revels in the exuberance of this 
human being. But hadn’t you better come in he 
added, abruptly changing the subject. “ I am afraid 
to have you remain here alone. There are plenty of 
fellows hereabouts who would run a hunting-knife 
through this hammock and its contents, if they had 
a hint of the diamonds in your possession. Come ! 
Let’s retire to our den for the night !” 

Our hero accepted the assistance of his faithful 
companion, and the two proceeded along the narrow 
path leading to the inn. 


36 


The Diamond Seeker. 


I shall be able to start for Petropolis to-morrow/ 
remarked Bavaro. ‘‘ Senor Dos Montes has prom- 
ised his consent to my marriage with Nona, on con- 
dition of my success — and I have been more than 
successful. A few days more, and I shall reach the 
haven of my rest !” 

On reaching the inn, the young men proceeded 
directly to the little chamber they had occupied 
since their arrival. They seated themselves near 
the solitary window of the apartment, which looked 
out upon the path winding through the gorge, in the 
direction of the Parahiba river. They discussed the 
honesty and goodness of their host and hostess, the 
beauty of the night, and the brightening future of 
our hero, all unmindful of the plots against him 
and Nona. 

Suddenly, as Pizarro was looking forth upon the 
picturesque scene, he beheld a couple of men creep- 
ing towards the inn, under the cover of a stone wall, 
from the direction of the main pass. He did not 
move or speak until they had paused, crouching on 
the ground, immediately under one end of the front 
piazza, so near to him that he could see the pistols 
and knives in their belts, and hear the hum of their 
low whisperings. 

‘‘ That's a sinister proceeding," he then whispered 
to Bavaro, pointing out the incident he had noticed. 
“ Where are our weapons ?" 

Not another word was said till the two friends had 


The Diamond Seeker, 


37 


looked to their weapons, and placed them where 
they would be readily found, if needed. 

“ Ha ! there are two more !” whispered Pizarro, 
as a second couple of ruffians stole towards the 
house, and passed out of sight behind it. “ This 
begins to look serious ! It can’t be that the host has 
betrayed us to some band of robbers ?” 

“ No,” replied Bavaro. I will answer for his 
honesty with my life. Where is he now ?” 

“ Below, undoubtedly. Both he and his wife were 
in the kitchen, busy with their breakfast prepara- 
tions, as we came up the stairs. Ah !” 

The last exclamation was caused by the appear- 
ance of a third brace of robbers, who took up their 
station at the front entrance of the house. 

“ This is really an attack upon us,” said Pizarro, 
in a calm but earnest voice. ‘‘ There are six of 
them already !” 

Our hero did not reply, but a look of unchange- 
able resolution swept over his face. He 
fully determined, in view of the importance of the 
diamond seeker’s proposed happiness, not to 
relinquish them except with his life. 

“ There comes a seventh of our rapacious friends,” 
observed Pizarro, as a burly-looking ruffian rode 
out of the main pass and advanced towards the door 
of the inn. He appears to be the leader of the 
party.” 

Bavaro bent forward and scrutinized the chief of 
the robbers, as he evidently was, as he rode slowly 


38 


The Diamond Seeker, 


up to the door. He was armed with a stout sabre, 
in addition to the knives and pistols he carried, and 
looked like a giant, by sheer contrast with the 
diminutive mule upon which he was mounted. 

‘‘Hallo, there!'* he shouted, as he dismounted. 
“ Wake up, Senor Posadero !*' and he passed 
beyond the view of the eager watchers, ascending 
the steps and shaking the door. 

The two friends fairly held their breath in their 
excitement, watching and listening, with their hands 
on their weapons. 

“ Ah, there you are,** they heard the robber-chief 
saying to the host. “ Excuse me for troubling you, 
but business is business. I hear from good 
authority that a young man named Bavaro has been 
sick on your hands during the last few weeks, and 
that this young fellow has a handsome quantity of 
diamonds in his possession.** 

The inn-keeper gave utterance to a cry of con- 
sternation and grief, which came from the very 
bottom of his soul. 

“ You hear ?** whispered Pizarro. “ We are in for 
trouble ! But how have we been betrayed ?** 

Although neither of the young men could answer 
this question, the reader will have no difficulty in 
comprehending the source of the robber's informa- 
tion. He had learned the facts in the case from Dos 
Montes, just as the latter had learned them from the 
unsuspecting confidence of his daughter. 

“ I say 1" continued the robber, smiting his 


The Diamond Seeker, 


39 


clenched hand against the door with such emphasis 
that it shook on its hinges. You see that I am on 
the right scent ; that I know all about it ; and that 
it’s diamonds or death to you and all under your roof !” 

Our hero and Pizarro heard the robber refer to his 
men, who had completely surrounded the house in 
such numbers as to make a sure thing of it,” to use 
the robber’s complacent assertion. They also heard 
the host and his wife entreating their dreaded visi- 
tor to show mercy, and not terrify a sick man to 
death, etc., using all the arguments and entreaties at 
their command. The voice of the robber was heard 
again, in low but resolute tones, and then the door 
at the foot of the chamber stairs was thrown open 
and he was heard declaring ; 

‘‘ Go up and bring him down, diamonds and all, or 
I’ll soon save you the trouble.” 

The host came hurriedly up stairs, groaning and 
crying, and burst into the presence of the young 
men with the most lugubrious expressions of terror 
and despair. 

The famous robber, Jorge Melendez, is below !” 
he exclaimed. He has come for your diamonds ! 
The house is surrounded by his band !” 

He paused, terror-stricken and in complete 
despair, while Bavaro and Pizarro gazed inquir- 
ingly at each other with an oppressive consciousness 
of their perils. 



CHAPTER IV. 

A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. 

The band of Jorge Melendez consisted of ten or a 
dozen vagabonds who had taken advantage of the 
unsettled state of the country to make a living out 
of their fellows. Although they did not hesitate to 
take life when resisted or annoyed, they generally 
satisfied themselves with plundering, unless the 
booty was deficient, or they had reason to think that 
the effects and valuables they wanted had been 
secreted. They had been in existence as an organ- 
ized and active body more than a year, operating 
principally in the province of Minas Geraes ; and 
the fame of their exploits had circulated throughout 
the neighboring provinces, particularly Rio Janeiro, 
so that the bearer of the infamous message of Dos 
Montes to Melendez had no difficulty in finding that 
chief. 

It was no disparagement to the courage of 
Bertram Bavaro that his heart quickened its beat- 
ings as he heard Melendez ordering his men, in a 
loud voice, to guard all the doors and windows, and 


A Strtcggle for Life. 41 


be ready for action. If the young diamond seeker 
had possessed his usual strength, or if another’s 
happiness had not been so closely bound up in his 
own fate, he could have looked the peril in the face 
without the sense of powerlessness which now 
oppressed him. 

“ I feel how weak I am,” he whispered to his 
faithful friend — “ how terrible is the disadvantage 
under which we must fight them !” 

“ Heaven help us !” moaned the inn-keeper, not 
so much from cowardice as from a candid recogni- 
tion of the desperate odds. “ If you say fight, my 
young friends, I am ready to leave my corpse 
between you and the robbers ; but what’s the use 
They will have the diamonds just the same, after 
taking your lives !” 

There seemed to be truth and philosophy in this 
statement, but it passed unheard by Jos6 Pizarro. 
He sat like one in a trance, silent as death, his eyes 
fixed upon some point in the direction of the main 
pass, and his whole being absorbed in the terrible 
problem of securing the safety of their persons and 
the jewels. 

‘‘ Bring him down,” cried the robber chief, in a 
tone of impatience, from the foot of the stairs, “ or 
I’ll set fire to your shanty in two minutes, and string 
you up by the blaze !” 

“ Say nothing,” observed Pizarro, as the inn-keeper 
arose to his feet. I have chosen my course !” 


42 


The Diamond Seeker. 


“ Quick !’' rejoined Bavaro. What plan have 
you formed T 

“ It is clear/' Pizarro continued, that two or 
three of us cannot fight successfully with half a 
dozen, under all the circumstances of the case." 

True," responded the inn-keeper. Another 
point to be considered is, we shall certainly be 
murdered if we shed any blood." 

“ Are you coming ?" called Melendez from the 
kitchen, where he was coolly helping himself to 
something to eat. His words warned Pizarro that 
he had no time to lose in making his dispositions, 
and he hurriedly whispered : 

‘‘ I am going to run the blockade of these fellows 
lurking under the eaves, if I do not perish in the 
attempt." 

Impossible !" groaned the inn-keeper, as he 
beheld a reserve force of the robbers advancing in 
a body from the main pass. ‘‘ There are near a 
dozen of them in all 

The young men both looked forth from the win- 
dow, and saw that the entire gang of the robbers 
was around them. The sight was enough to appall 
the stoutest heart, if we may take into consideration 
the issues which seemed to be depending upon the 
diamonds of our hero ; and it was no wonder, there- 
fore, that a horrible silence reigned for a moment 
throughout the little chamber. 

“No violence — no bloodshed, remember," whis- 


A Struggle for Life. 


43 


pered the innkeeper, or we shall all be murdered. 
What is your plan ?" 

“ To take to the mountains,'* was the reply. As 
the robbers know nothing of my presence here, 
they will think, the instant I leap from the window, 
that I am the owner of the diamonds, endeavoring 
to make my escape, and will accordingly pursue me 
in full force." 

True. But—" 

Never mind the danger, my dear Bertram. It's 
our only chance of saving both our lives and the 
jewels. If I succeed in escaping from the bandits, 
you will find me at the spring I was showing you 
yesterday, back of Three Peaks, at any hour 
between my escape and to-morrow. The instant I 
have drawn the rascals away from the inn, come 
direct to the opening, Bertram, under the guidance 
of our host. Take my diamonds," and he handed 
them over, ‘‘and bring them to me with yours." 

The light of Pizarro’s bold plan burst full upon 
our hero's mind. 

“ I think I can escape by the back way," he said, 
“ if you draw the attention of the robbers in the 
way proposed ; but the risk to you is terrible !" 

“Not a word — it must be incurred. They will 
doubtless send a shower of bullets after me from 
their pistols, but I have always been a lucky dog, 
and will take the risk. If I fall, Bertram, and you 
escape, don't forget to write to my sister and 
mother." 


44 


The Diamond Seeker. 


A curse and a roar from the rough leader of the 
bandits interrupted Pizarro, and the self same 
moment the ruffian was heard making his way up- 
stairs. 

Look out for them, boys,” he shouted in tones ' 
which could have been heard anywhere in the 
vicinity. “ I will soon stir them out !” 

Not an instant was to be lost. Pizarro thrust 
Bavaro back of the little bed, out of sight, and the 
inn-keeper threw himself on the floor, at the head of 
the stairs, imploring the mercy of the bandit. The 
next instant, even as two of the robbers placed 
themselves on the watch, pistols in hand, directly 
under the window, Pizarro leaped to the ground 
between them. 

‘‘ Look out, there !” cried the robber chief, as he 
beheld the Spaniard’s movement by the faint light 
that struggled into the low chamber. “ He’s off^ 
diamonds and all, as sure as I live !” 

He rushed forward, paying no attention to the 
inn-keeper, and having no suspicion that a third 
party was in the chamber. He reached the window 
in time to see the two robbers rising from the 
ground, where they had been hurled by two sudden 
and well-directed blows from Pizarro, and also to see 
the daring man bounding away in the direction of 
the nearest of the neighboring peaks. 

‘^Villains ! I defy you !” cried Pizarro, in a loud 
voice, with the intention of drawing the bandits 


A Struggle for Life, 


45 


away from the inn in the pursuit. long farewell 
to you, and better luck the next time !” 

The cries of the robbers nearest him, in addition 
to those of the Spaniard, called all their companions 
to the front of the house. 

After him cried the chief, springing to the 
ground, as a dozen pistol shots were sent after the 
fugitive ; and all the bandits darted away in pursuit 
of him. Don’t lose sight of him ! head him off ! 
shoot him !” 

The curses which fell from the lips of the leader 
of the bandits, as he joined in the pursuit, were ter- 
rible to hear. He had not so much as deemed it 
possible for one man to escape from his dozen ruf- 
fians ; and his disappointment was all the more 
crushing on that account. A score of shots were 
fired after Pizarro, and two or three of the bandits 
kept within sight of him for some distance, but he 
eventually vanished from their view among the 
thickly wooded ravines and hills. 

His daring scheme of escape had been completely 
successful ! A bullet had grazed his arm, inflicting 
a slight wound, and considerbly quickening his steps 
for a few moments ; but he had received no further 
injury. Once satisfied that he had gained a situa- 
tion of safety, he set up a shout of triumph which 
echoed and re-echoed throughout the whole range 
of hills surrounding the posada. 

** Thank God, he has avoided them i” was the 


46 


The Diamond Seeker, 


grateful exclamation of our hero. I feared he was 
lost.” 

^He's safer than we are,” exclaimed the inn 
keeper, beginning to recover his self-possession. 

The rage of these devils, at being cheated of their 
prey, will be terrible. We must retreat — my old 
woman and all — to the woods 

Assisting our hero as well as he could in the dark- 
ness, the inn-keeper led the way down stairs, where 
his wife had been crouching in silent terror ever 
since the first appeal ance of the robbers. Taking 
her by one hand, and whispering a few words of 
encouragement, he led the way out of the back door, 
and hurried away in the direction opposite to that in 
which the bandits were searching for Pizarro. 

They will bum the house, and destroy every- 
thing on the place,” whispered the inn-keeper. 
^‘Alas ! what demon of destruction was it that 
betrayed your secret to them ? My wife and I have 
been careful not to let a soul know about it, and 
were in hopes that another day would relieve us 
from the great uneasiness your presence caused us.” 

Bavaro was touched by the simple honesty of the 
inn-keeper and his wife, and hastened to reply : 

Rest assured that you shall not lose anything by 
the noble conduct you have displayed since I came 
under your roof. My friend and I have already 
tried to think of some reward capable of expressing 
a portion of the gratitude I bear you, and the 
destruction of your place by these fiends shall not 


A Struggle for Life, 


47 


render yoi^ homeless and friendless. As long as I 
have a dollar in the world you shall not want.'' 

They hurried into the woods, and along the rude 
paths, till they deemed themselves safe from dis- 
covery ; and then they paused upon the summit of 
a ledge, and looked back into the gorge. 

‘‘ There they are," sighed the inn-keeper, as a 
flame suddenly shot up into the air. “ There goes 
the hay-rick, and the next thing is the inn." 

The flame rose higher and higher, burning brightly 
for a few moments, and then died out almost as 
suddenly as it had arisen. The inn-keeper felt 
assured that he had been mistaken in supposing it 
the hay-rick, and soon remarked : 

“ On the whole, I think they had better sleep in 
the house to-night, than attempt to keep themselves 
warm by its ashes. Besides, I have shown Jorge 
Melendez a great many favors in my line, and will 
answer for the inn, if he can restrain the first gust 
of his wrath and disappointment." 

They waited a few moments, keeping their eyes 
fixed upon the gorge, but saw nothing more of the 
flames, from which they concluded that the bandits 
had merely been burning some hay to assist them 
in the search for the fugitive. 

“ Well, the next thing is to proceed to the spring 
mentioned by Pizarro," said the inn-keeper. ‘‘I 
think, wife, you had better remain here while we 
are gone, or go back to the house." 

‘‘ I will go back," she responded. I am not 


48 


The Diamond Seeker. 


afraid of the rascals, now that Bavaro is safe ; they 
have eaten too many of my suppers to interfere with 
me/' 

After a few further observations, she moved 
leisurely towards the inn, while her husband and 
Bavaro made the best of their way through the 
woods to the rendezvous appointed. 




CHAPTER V. 

THE SOURCES OF THE PARAHIBA. 

Feeling confident that his friend had avoided the 
robbers and would meet him at the spring he had 
designated, Pizarro proceeded on his way to that 
spot with a feeling of triumph and security. He 
encountered various difficulties and annoyances by 
the way, owing to the denseness of the bushes and 
the rocks he encountered in the darkness ; but 
in the course of half an hour after leaving the inn 
he reached the spring in safety. 

No sign of them,'" he muttered, looking around 
and listening for his pursuers. ‘‘I have fairly 
shaken them off, and the diamonds are safe.” 

He seated himself on a stone by the spring, and 
bathed his brow in its cool waters. 

“ The effect of all this business,” he continued, “ is 
to hasten our departure. It is clear that the inn 
will no longer afford us safety. We must start on 
our homeward journey to-night, but how ?” 

He revolved this question in his mind for several 
minutes in thoughtful silence. The sudden crack 


50 


The Diamond Seeker. 


of a twig at no great distance assured him that 
some one was approaching, and he vacated his hard 
seat, placing himself on the watch in the adjoining 
thicket. A moment later a couple of figures 
advanced into the open space surrounding the 
spring. 

do not know but we are venturing too boldly, ’» 
whispered a voice, which he recognized as that of 
the inn-keeper. “ Perhaps the robbers — 

“Not at all,'’ interrupted Pizarro, as he leaped 
from his covert. “ Here we are again all safe and 
sound." 

The meeting of the two friends was most 
pleasant. 

“ And now that we have avoided the ruffians," 
said the inn-keeper, “ it is necessary to look out for 
your permanent security. I do not doubt but they 
will watch for you all night, and probably for a 
week to come. I propose that you take a boat and 
proceed down the river to Parahiba, or to some 
point from which you can easily reach Valenca — 
just as you prefer." 

“ That is the subject I was considering at the 
moment of your appearance," responded Pizarro. 
“ Where shall we find a boat ? and how far is it to 
the branch most favorable to our descent towards 
Valenca?" 

“ I have a friend a couple of miles below here, on 
the banks of the Panama, who will give us all the 
information and assistance we need, and the sooner 


The Sotirces of the Parahiba. 


51 


we seek him the better, as I hear an occasional 
sound of pursuit from the direction of the inn.’* 
Bavaro rested a few moments by the spring, 
refreshing himself with a drink of its waters, and 
the party then set out in a southerly direction, the 
inn-keeper leading the way. It was not long before 
he struck into a mule-path, along which they could 
make their way without trouble. The detours 
Pizarro had made in throwing off his pursuers had 
left them completely at fault in their search, and 
our friends were soon out of all immediate peril 
from them. In the course of an hour, during which 
they paused frequently by the way, that our hero 
might not become too much exhausted, they arrived 
at the destination they were seeking. 

This is the spot,** said the inn-keeper, as a little 
cabin arose in view on the bank of a stream quite 
broad and deep enough to float a schooner. ‘‘ This 
river is the Parama, one of the finest branches of 
the Parahiba, and you can proceed by water from 
here to any point between us and the Atlantic.** 

“ I am glad to hear it, particularly for the sake of 
Bertram,** cried Pizarro, as he is already worn out 
with his exertions. Before morning we will be 
beyond the reach of our covetous visitors.** 

They approached the cabin in silence, and the 
inn-keeper knocked loudly at the door. The sum- 
mons was answered after a little delay, a window 
being raised, and a head thrust forth, while a voice 
demanded what was wanted. 


52 


The Diamond Seeker. 


“ Come out, Palato,*’ said the inn-keeper, ‘‘ and 
give us a little assistance.” 

Ah, Ruiz, it is you !” the voice returned, and the 
head was immediately withdrawn, its owner recog- 
nizing the inn-keeper, and the next instant the 
proprietor appeared in the doorway of his cabin. 

Here are a couple of friends of mine,” said the 
inn-keeper, proceeding directly to his business, 
‘‘ who wish to hire or buy a boat of you. They are 
going to Valenca, and are anxious to proceed with 
the least possible delay.” 

The man sighed and stretched himself in a weary 
sort of a way as he responded : 

“ Well, I suppose I can let you have the boat if 
you will be responsible for it. Y ou will find it down by 
the trees yonder chained to a stump. Here is the key.” 

The inn-keeper said something to his friend about 
piloting the young men down the river, offering to 
pay him well for his services ; but he declared that 
he had been up for two nights in succession and was 
completely tired out. 

Besides,” he added, they will get along well 
enough if they will stick to the main river. There’s 
a swampy place about four miles below here where 
the river is full of islands, and crooks a great deal ; 
but by watching the current and choosing the 
widest stream they will manage to pass it.” 

Our hero did not feel very much encouraged by 
these observations ; but he did not press the settler 
to accompany them, the more especially as Pizarro 


The Sources of the Parahiba, 53 


expressed his readiness to undertake the voyage 
without assistance. Arranging that the inn-keeper 
should settle with his friend for the use of the boat, 
the party went down to the place where it was lying 
and took possession. 

It would be too much to press you to go with us, 
Senor Ruiz,*’ said Pizarro, since your wife is 
awaiting your return at the inn. I trust you will 
have no further trouble on our account, and that 
you will get rid of those rascals without loss. After 
seeing my friend safe at home, 1 shall return this 
way and will pay you a visit. In the meantime, 
accept these diamonds as a token that you shall not 
be unrewarded and forgotten.” 

He produced from his treasures several valuable 
diamonds, and was about to hand them to the inn- 
keeper when Bavaro declared that that was his privi- 
lege. The generous strife between the two friends 
was soon settled by the inn-keeper, who suggested 
that each should give him an equal reward, what- 
ever that might be ; at the same time expressing a 
modest sense of their indebtedness to him and of 
his own merits. 

And now how is it to be,” asked Pizarro, in 
regard to our provisions for the voyage ?” 

“ Oh, you will reach a settled district before morn- 
ing,” was the inn-keeper’s reply. Perhaps I could 
get something of my friend here, although he lives 
in true hunter’s fashion, killing only as he wants it !” 


54 


The Diamond Seeker, 


Never mind/’ said Pizarro, I understand pretty 
well where we are.” 

The conversation was prolonged a little while, 
and then the young men bade the inn-keeper adieu 
and set out on their voyage, while the inn-keeper 
returned to the mountains. Bavaro deposited him- 
self in the stern of the boat, in obedience to a sug- 
gestion from his comrade, and rested himself after 
his recent fatigues. 

The night was gloriously beautiful, the moon and 
stars shining upon the waters of the river and light- 
ing up the whole scene around the voyagers. The 
current was so strong that there was scarcely any 
necessity for rowing, yet Pizarro, in his impatience, 
worked diligently at the oars for at least half an 
hour. No one who has not seen a Brazilian wilder- 
ness, with all its gorgeousness and luxuriance, can 
form a just estimation of the scene presented to our 
hero and his friend, even in the dimness of that mid- 
night. 

Well, Bertram,” said Pizarro, as he laid down the 
oars, it seems that your dreams are approaching 
realization, and that your perils are past. I con- 
gratulate you from the bottom of my heart, at the 
same time, as I am not a marrying man, I shall 
look upon my bachelorhood as being under an 
eclipse, the instant you enter upon your wedded 
condition.” 

^‘Nonsense, Jose. If I marry, as expected, you 
jnust marry also. That’s your sole revenge ! With 


The Sotcrces of the Parahiba, 


55 


all respect and consideration for your past ,attacli- 
ments, I must recommend you to hunt up that sis- 
ter-spirit, which exists somewhere for your benefit, 
and to make her your wife !’* 

The Spaniard sighed, shaking his head, and 
changed the subject by referring to the loneliness 
of the voyage down the river. The current contin- 
ued to carry the boat rapidly on its way, almost 
without guidance, and point after point was left 
behind. At length the river expanded into a lake, 
and this lake was studded with scores of islands, as 
the inn-keeper's friend had stated. It was not long 
before the voyagers were fairly in a mesh of tortu- 
ous channels, which were rendered all the more for- 
midable by the midnight shadows resting upon 
them. 

I do not know but we shall have trouble here," 
remarked Pizarro, as he resumed the oars. We 
must necessarily trust ourselves much to the. cur- 
rent and to hazard !” 

The boat continued to move on for some minutes 
longer, the way every moment becoming more and 
more intricate. Now this way, and then that, 
Pizarro was obliged to change his course frequently, 
and at last he announced to Bavaro that he was 
really at a loss what direction to pursue. 

‘‘ To sum up our situation in as few words as pos- 
sible," he declared, we are lost in this wilderness, 
and shall have to tie up somewhere until daylight 
comes to aid us !" 


56 


The Diamond Seeker. 


Is it indeed as bad as that ?” rejoined onr hero, 
arising and looking around. Ah ! it must be so. 
The stars tell me that we are proceeding due west 
at this moment !” 

‘‘ That fact might be accounted for by an ordinary 
bend in the river, but it is evident that we are nof 
getting through this sea of islands. Suppose we 
find a good place and haul up by the bank until 
morning 

‘‘ That’s just as you say,” was Bavaro’s response. 
‘‘ If we are not certain of our course, it is possible 
that we may be advancing backwards, like an old 
colonel I once knew, and in that case the sooner we 
come to anchor the better. We may safely assume 
that we are lost to our late visitors in these 
regions.” 

Pizarro earnestly scanned tlie shores around him, 
as well as he could in the darkness, endeavoring to 
reach the mainland. Rowing and guiding the boat 
with a strong hand, he soon came to a little bay or 
creek which suited his purpose. Anchoring the lit- 
tle craft within a rod of the shore, where it was half 
sheltered by the overhanging branches of the trees, 
he remarked : 

If you can manage to get a little sleep, with the 
aid of my outer coat, I will build a fire on the bank, 
and devote myself to the double task of watching 
over your slumbers and keeping myself warm.” ^ 

“ Hadn’t you better go to sleep also ? I dare say 
we are perfectly safe.’* 


The Sources of the Parahiba, 


57 


It is most likely. At the same time I will not 
make the attempt to obtain repose here. I am sin- 
gularly wakeful and nervous."' 

Bavaro pressed him a few moments, but was 
eventually obliged to let him have his own way. 
While our hero stowed himself away in the bottom 
of the boat, the Spaniard effected a landing, gath- 
ered some brushwood and kindled a fire. By the 
time his comrade was asleep, he found himself in 
the enjoyment of a cheerful fire, and could not help 
but smile at the strange and romantic scene in 
which he was figuring, in the very heart of the great 
solitudes of the Parahiba. 




CHAPTER VI. 

THE SECRET OF THE WILDERNESS. 

The scene around the voyagers was of the most 
fantastic and gorgeous description. Pizarro sat 
motionless on the bank by his little fire, absorbed in 
thought, yet seldom removing his eyes from the 
form of his sleeping companion. In the rear of him 
was a dense, tropical jungle of tall trees, bound to 
each other by stout and luxurious vines, which were 
prodigal with gorgeous blossoms. Thick under- 
brush reared itself with a stunted growth from 
among the trailing vines, with which the ground 
was covered, rendering the whole absolutely impen- 
etrable. The air was laden with sweetness, so that 
it was actually cloying to the wearied sense of 
smell. The waters of the stream were laden with 
brilliant blossoms of every hue, which ha 1 dropped 
from the trees bordering its banks. The shrill 
cries of various animals, varied with the musical 
trills of myriads of tropical songsters, sounded in the 
air, and the chattering of monkeys was heard in the 
distance. Prom the depths of the jungle bright 


The Secret of the Wilderness, 


59 


eyes occasionally looked out, but the glare of the 
fire guarded Pizarro from the stealthy intrusions of 
the jaguars and the pumas. Insects sported in the 
blaze, lured by the warmth and brightness of the 
fire, and occasionally the fallen leaves were stirred 
by the languid movements of a snake or reptile. 

Amidst all these novelties Pizarro remained 
silent, not even lifting his foot to shake off a green 
lizard, which was leisurely enjoying the heat from 
its position on his boot. His thoughts were far 
away in the past, living over scenes which had 
occurred beyond the mountains and the waters, and 
half-discontentedly canvassing his lonely and unrest- 
ful lot. 

In the midst of his reveries, Pizarro was aroused 
by a light step near him, and by the sound of hur- 
ried breathing. He sprang to his feet, at the same 
time turning towards the quarter from which the 
apparition proceeded, and started at the strange 
picture presented to his gaze. 

About a rod from the fire, and between him and 
the woods, he beheld a girlish figure, in a shrinking 
and half-apprehensive attitude, with clasped hands, 
pallid countenance, and wild eyes — a being so weird- 
looking and unearthly that a superstitious observer 
might have deemed her an apparition. Hastily 
flinging a few more sticks of wood on the blazing 
coals, Pizarro regarded the intruder attentively, 
intimating his consciousness of her presence by a 
slight bow. As his eyes became accustomed to 


6o 


The Diamond Seeker. 


4 ^ 


their new office, he saw that she was scarcely more 
than eighteen years old, with a graceful and fairy^ 
like form, and a countenance of rare beauty and 
intelligence. Her sweet face, pale and spiritual, 
was framed with a wealth of dark, loose curls, and 
her dark features possessed an expression at once 
sad and winning. Pizarro actually trembled as he 
contemplated her innocent and beautiful face, and 
half-fancied himself in the presence of his lost love, 
so much did this flower of the wilderness resemble 
her. 

“ Strange,” he ejaculated, “ at this hour, and in 
the wilderness ! Who are you, fair lady, and where 
do you come from ?” 

The strange girl threw a startled glance over her 
shoulder, and then scrutinized Pizarro from head to 
foot. 

May I inquire,” she said, “ how you chance to be 
here at this moment ?” 

“ Certainly. My friend and I are on our way to 
Valenca, and have lost ourselves in this wilderness 
of swamps and islands I” 

You do not belong in this vicinity, then ?” and 
she scanned him closely. ~ 

“ No.” 

“ And do not know any one hereabouts ?” 

‘‘ No ; no one nearer than the mountains ?” 

A sigh of relief escaped the girl at this assurance, 
and she hastened to say : 

‘‘ Since such is the case, I may be able to render 


The Secret of the Wilderness, 


6i 


you some assistance. You are through the worst of 
your difficulties. By keeping close to this shore, 
you will soon get back to the main river ; and then, 
by crossing to the right bank, and following it all 
the while, you will have no further trouble.’' 

“ Thanks, lady. What good angel has sent you 
so unexpectedly to our relief ?” asked Pizarro, every 
glance at the girl’s pale face and slight figure 
increasing his wonder. Permit me to ask you for 
an explanation — for your name.” 

The girl hesitated a moment, with another appre- 
hensive glance over her shoulder ; but the 
honest frankness of Pizarro’s countenance seemed 
to disarm her reserve, and she responded : 

I am Berta de Paos,” was the reply, in a voice 
that was low-toned and musical, although 
intensely sad. “ I am the only child of the Count 
de Paos, who is cruelly confined in a cabin yonder,” 
and she pointed away in the direction from which 
she had come. “ I was sleepless to-night, and see- 
ing a light in this direction, I resolved to implore 
the pity and assistance of the traveler, whoever he 
might be !” 

“ If I can help you in any way, command me to 
the utmost,” said Pizarro. “ I place myself at your 
service, lady. How can I render you assistance T 

The girl looked up for a moment into his face, as 
if striving to realize his goodness, and then her eyes 
filled with tears as she said ; 


62 


The Diamond Seeker, 


These are the first kind words, except my dear 
father’s, I have heard in four long years.” 

“Indeed !” exclaimed Pizarro, his generous heart 
touched by her words. “ Surely every one should 
be good to one so young, so innocent and beautiful 
as you. Tell me your story, lady. Sit down on this 
blanket, and tell me your sorrows.” 

Berta de Paos obeyed, seating herself on the 
blanket near him, and as soon as she could control 
her voice, she said : 

“ Four years ago my father, the Count de Paos^ 
and I left our ancestral home in Portugal and came 
to Brazil. There was a man on board the ship — the 
mate of the vessel — who bore a striking resem- 
blance to my father, and he formed a deadly design 
against us. The very day after our arrival in Rio, 
this man decoyed us into the country, seized and 
bound my father, with the aid of an accomplice, 
and sent us up here. This bad man now calls him- 
self the Count de Paos, while my father — the real 
count — and I, his only child, are confined here under 
the care of two ruffians and an old negress. We 
are cruelly deprived of our liberties, and my poor 
father is dying by inches under this horrible cruelty 
and injustice.” 

The surprising character of this revelation, the 
grief of the girl, her apprehensive glances, the hour 
and the place — all the circumstances of the scene — 
rendered the Spaniard momentarily speechless. 

“ Is it possible,” he at length ejaculated, “ that you 


The Secret of the Wilderness. 63 


have been so foully wronged ? How does it happen 
that you have never endeavored ' to escape, or suc- 
ceeded in escaping, to obtain assistance ?” 

“ Because we were both continually watched and 
guarded,** she replied. Besides, our cruel jailors 
say they will kill my father, or carry him off among 
the mountains where no one can ever find him, if I 
ever leave the cabin without their knowledge. 
Hark !*’ she added, looking wildly around, ‘‘ I thought 
I heard them coming.** 

“ I hear nothing,** said Pizarro, after listening a 
moment. You need have no fear. No harm shall 
come to you in my presence.** 

He regarded her attentively, with a glance of the 
profoundest pity and interest. 

I will go with you to this house,** he said, and 
endeavor to rescue your father ; and you shall join 
us on our homeward trip. I have a sick friend, who 
lies in the boat under the bank. I will awaken him, 
and go home with you.** 

A flush of joy illuminated the pale face of Berta 
de Paos, but it faded away as she answered : 

“ No, it would be unsafe — fatal to both you and 
us. Those men are worse than bloodhounds. You 
would only risk your life for nothing. They would 
kill both you and my father. Where do you go 
from here ?** 

“ To Petropolis.** 

Then,** exclaimed the girl, joyfully, that will do 
as well. “ Plere.** and she drew a letter from her 


64 


The Diamond Seeker. 


bosom, ‘‘is a petition to the emperor, which my 
father and I have written, in moments when our 
jailors have relaxed their watch a little, imploring 
him to redress our wrongs and restore us to our 
rightful position. Present it to the emperor in 
person, kind Senor, and he will speedily do the 
Count de Paos the justice he demands."' 

“ I will take it," said Pizarro, placing it in the 
breast of his coat. “ The emperor shall have it 
within the week. I can promise you, fair lady, that 
my best efforts shall be used in your behalf. 
Depend upon me. Your wrongs shall be redressed." 

“ Oh, thanks, thanks ! Save us from this cruel 
injustice, from this daily and hourly martyrdom, 
and my blessing shall forever rest upon you !" 

“ How does it happen," asked Pizarro, “ that you 
have obtained even this temporary freedom ?" 

“For weeks and months," she replied, “I have 
been very calm and quiet, making no complaints. 
The false Count de Paos, the mate of the vessel 
which brought us to this country, has told our 
jailors, two villains as bad as himself, that my 
father and I are his relatives ; that we are both 
insane ; and that he does not want us to throw a 
cloud upon the sphere in which he moves, and 
therefore maintains us in this seclusion. If these 
men have any doubts of his statements, gold has 
effectually bought their hands and sealed their lips ; 
so that we could not be guarded with more zeal 
than we are. As I was about to say, however, my 


The Secret of the Wilderness, 65 


conduct during the last few months has been such 
as to convince them that their threats have driven 
all thoughts of escape from my mind, and they have 
lately left me more to myself. As a consequence, 
I have loosened the bars at the window of my little 
room, and to-night, on seeing your fire, have 
descended in silence therefrom.’' 

Berta had scarcely finished her explanations, when 
she turned abruptly away from the fire, retreating a 
few steps into the gloom. 

Do you hear them ?” she murmured, with another 
startled glance. I thought I heard the old nurse 
coming. Can it be that I have been missed already ? 
that the task at which I have been toiling so long has 
been discovered ? Oh, when will these persecutions 
cease ?” and she raised her eyes almost despairingly 
to heaven. “When shall these terrible cruelties 
cease ?” 

“ Soon, I trust,” replied Pizarro, with profound 
emotion. “ You may look for me here again in less 
than a fortnight, with the assistance you require. 
The very day after my return to Petropolis I will 
present you petition to the emperor.” 

“ Oh, thanks ! In the meantime tell me your 
name, Senor, that I may remember it in my 
prayers.” 

“Jose Pizarro. I come of a well-known family in 
Granada, and dare say your father, as a nobleman 
of Portugal, has heard of my ancestors, several of 
whom have held important official positions.” 


66 


The Diamond Seeker. 


A faint glow tinged the white cheeks of Berta, as 
she murmured something about longing for his 
return for her father’s sake, and gazed earnestly 
about her. There was a perceptible wildness and 
nervousness in her manner, as she said : 

‘‘ I have been followed — discovered !” 

‘‘ Then it will be a sad discovery for your perse- 
cutors,” declared Pizarro, as he drew a pistol and 
gazed in the direction in which she was looking. I 
will arouse my friend — sick as he is — and we will 
rescue both you and your father — ” 

Oh, no, no !” interrupted Berta, placing a 
restraining grasp upon his arm. “ The risk is too 
terrible ! Oh, do not forget, I implore you, to give 
our petition to the emperor.” 

Trust me, lady,” Pizarro replied, “ as I hope for 
heaven, I will free you. Keep up your courage, and 
bid your father be patient and hopeful.” 

Berta wrung his hand, sobbing convulsively, as 
she incoherently expressed her gratitude, and the 
next instant she hurried away, soon disappearing 
from his view. 

What to do ?” muttered Pizarro, as his form 
shook with emotion. “ If they have discovered her 
absence and are on their guard — ” 

He saw a light moving at no great distance, and 
comprehended that the girl’s fears had been only too 
well founded. In a bitter and desperate mood he 
awaited further developments, remaining a short 
distance from the fire, that he might not present a 


The Secret of the Wilderness. 67 


mark for any approaching assassin. He had not 
waited a great while when an elderly negress made 
her appearance from the direction in which Berta 
had gone, walking directly np to the fire. 

“Well, what do yon want?’' was the abrupt 
inquiry of Pizarro, as he approached her. 

“ Lor’ o’ heaven !” she ejaculated, recoiling from 
him with uplifted hands. “ Where did you come 
from, Senor ?” 

Pizarro earnestly scrutinized the negress, who 
remained standing near the fire. She was a large 
and strong creature, with a harsh expression on her 
coarse features. He readily understood that she 
was the old nurse to whom Berta had made allu- 
sions. 

“ Have you seen a young lady wandering around 
here ?” she asked, as she warmed her hands at the 
fire. 

“ What sort of a lady ?” 

The negress proceeded to describe her. 

“ Well, what do you want of her ?” was Pizarro’s 
next question. 

“ Want of her ? Ceo ! Would you have the poor 
demented creature running around the woods at this 
time of night ?” 

The Spaniard started, and caught the negress so 
sternly by the arm that she moaned with pain. 

“ Woman,” he cried, “ do you mean to tell me that 
that girl is insane ?’' 


68 


The Diamond Seeker. 


Tell you ? Couldn’t you see it yourself ? Hasn’t 
she told you ” 

Pizarro looked so sternly in her face that she 
paused. He saw that she was honest in all she was 
saying — that she had not the slightest doubt of the 
girl’s madness ; and he fairly reeled under the emo- 
tions which filled his mind. 

In heaven’s name,” he finally said, who is 
she ?” 

The woman replied, in substance, that the girl 
was the daughter of a wealthy gentleman, who kept 
her in this retired place, that she might not be an 
annoyance to him and his friends, and that she 
might be out of the way of everything which could 
excite her and increase her wildness. 

Pizarro remembered her wild glances, and real- 
ised the unlikelihood of such strange events as poor 
Berta had told him, and he grew sick at heart. 

“ Go away, woman,” he said with savage bitter- 
ness, as he kicked the fire in every direction, and 
sent the negress away with a conviction that he was 
nearly as crazy as her charge. This is an accursed 
world !” 

He returned to his boat, with tears in his eyes, 
and his form shaking like a reed, with his terrible 
emotions. 

So it^ goes, the world over ; ” he muttered, as he 
drew up the anchor. Poor child ! Her face will 
haunt me forever.” 

He raised his stern face almost defiantly towards 


The Secret of the Wilderness. 69 


heaven, as if he could have cursed the whole uni- 
verse, in the anguish and desolation of his soul. 
Silently, without awakening our hero, he took the 
oars and rowed the boat in the direction Berta had 
pointed out to him, and soon verified the information 
she had given him by passing out of the lake of 
islands into a broad and deep river. 

Oh, God !*' he cried, in tones of the most sorrow- 
ful complaint, that we should owe our safety and 
convenience to that poor girl ! Wake up, Bertram ! 
I cannot endure this misery alone !’* 





CHAPTER VIL 

THE COUNT ENTERTAINED. 

The assurances Senor Dos Montes had given the 
false Count de Paos, that he should find Nona agree- 
able when he came to dine with them the next day 
had kept the secretary in unusually good spirits. 
He had been so uniformly successful in all his 
operations, from the hour of his assumption of the 
name and station of the unfortunate nobleman, that 
he deemed it reasonable to look forward to the com- 
plete success of his wooing. 

The middle of the following afternoon found him 
dressing for the dinner to which he had been invited, 
and great and extraordinary were the pains he took 
to present himself to the best advantage. Washing 
and dyeing, shaving and curling, powdering and 
painting, with as much care and ceremony as an old 
dowager, he consumed at least two full hours in 
preparing himself to take the heart of Nona Dos 
Montes by storm. 

‘‘ After all” he thought, as he stood half-dressed 


The Coimt E7itertained. 


71 


before a long mirror which reflected his face and 
form distinctly, ‘‘ I am not so bad-looking for a man 
of my age. A score of purring old she-cats about 
the court have told me that I am actually flne-look- 
ing. True, I am a little gray on the foretop, and at 
the roots of my beard, but a drop or two of dye 
remedies all that. Nona Dos Montes really ought 
to feel flattered, unless that clay eater of hers has 
absolutely bewitched her.’' 

Thus communing with himself, he dressed, ordered 
his carriage, footmen, etc., surrounding himself with 
all the pomp of his social and official positions, and 
drove slowly, as became a grand Senor, towards 
the residence of the planter. The latter received 
his distinguished visitor with an air and manner 
which caused him to appear at least ten years 
younger than on the preceding day. The secret of 
this unusual juvenility and elasticity found expres- 
sion in the very first words he uttered. 

“ Congratulate me, my dear Count,” he exclaimed, 
as he led the way to the drawing-room. “ I have 
been talking with my daughter, and — really, you 
must excuse my delight — I know not how to express 
my joy. Permit me to embrace you as my son !” 

The feeble smile the Count had called up to his 
face perceptibly deepened. 

“ Ah ! she has become agreeable, then, as you 
promised ?” he inquired. 

“ As pleasant as an angel. My surprise is equalled 
only by my rapture.” 


72 


The Diamond Seeke7^. 


Forgetting all about his gouty extremities, in his 
joyful emotions, the planter precipitated himself 
upon the Count, and held him for a moment in a 
close embrace. 

The clouds are all clearing away from our path,** 
Dos Montes continued, and everything is becoming 
as pleasant as — as a garden of roses. Let us take a 
glass of something, my dear Count, to whet our 
appetites for dinner.** 

He produced a bottle of the oldest and rarest wine 
his vaults afforded, and the two men joined each 
other in a social glass, expressing a mutual senti- 
ment of satisfaction and approbation. The planter 
hastened to add : 

“Yes, Nona has made up her mind to treat you 
with that consideration you so richly deserve, my 
dear Count, and to accept the affections and honors 
you are desirous of bestowing upon her. She looks 
like an angel in my sight, now that she has promised 
to be sociable and agreeable during the hours you 
honor us with your presence. After all, when we 
reflect upon the matter, it was natural enough for 
her to be shy and reserved until after she had seen 
something of you, and formed a correct estimate of 
your worth.** 

He poked the Count in the waistcoat, with an air 
of jollity, and at this same instant a white-headed 
negro appeared and announced dinner. 

“ True. I had forgotten everything in the 
delightful circumstances mentioned. Come, my 


The Count Entertained. 


73 


dear Count/' said Dos Montes, leading the way to 
the parlor, where Nona was awaiting them, with the 
planter's maiden sister and housekeeper ; The 
field is wonj" 

With this assuring observation, Dos Montes pre- 
sented himself to the notice of the ladies, with his 
intended son-in-law at his heels. 

Nona received her father with a smile he had not 
seen on her face for many a day ; and she recog- 
nized the Count wfith such additional sweetness and 
grace, that the delighted planter audibly ejaculated; 

Charming ! charming !" 

“ Yes, an exceedingly pleasant day," rejoined the 
elderly maiden lady, with vague glances around her, 
not knowing from vrhat source the admiring adjec- 
tive proceeded, so unlike itself was her brother's 
voice, in the enthusiasm of the moment. “ I trust 
the weather will not change." 

With these sage observations she took her accus- 
tomed seat at the foot of the table, opposite her 
brother, and from time to time offered a few feeble 
suggestions respecting the food, the servants, and 
her poultry, the principal sciences of which she was 
mistress. Dos Montes had seated the Count on his 
right hand, and Nona on his left, where he could 
witness the phases of their wooing. 

I am rejoiced to see you in such excellent spirits, 
fair Nona," remarked the Count, with his most courtly 
bow. May I not hope that the light and beauty 


74 


The Diamond Seeker, 


you are now shedding . around you will illuminate 
my pathway forever V* 

‘^Capital, capital!’* exclaimed Dos Montes, with- 
out waiting for Nona’s answer. Pathway forever ! 
Just the thing for a woman’s heart, my dear Count. 
I see you understand these matters. Here, Pablo,” 
he added, addressing his favorite slave, bring me 
the wine I selected for this occasion — those three 
bottles.” 

Wine to begin with I” ejaculated the maiden sis- 
ter, elevating her eyebrows. 

Certainly, my sister ; wine before dinner, after 
dinner, and all the time, on such a day of rejoicing 
as this 1” 

The brilliancy of Nona’s beauty, the number of her 
smiles, the ease and grace of her observations, and 
all the characteristics of her deportment, left the 
Count and her father but little thought for their din- 
ners. It would have been hard to recognize under 
her present gaiety the serious Nona of the previous 
day. In the course of a few moments she was con- 
versing as sociably with the Count as if he had been 
an intimate friend for years. The delight of her 
father at this conduct cannot be described. He for- 
got to eat, forgot to answer when spoken to. In a 
WQ:»'d, he became oblivious to everything but the 
prime ministership and the various happy circum- 
stances upon which that great happiness was 
depending. 

Oh, if I might feel that these smiles, these sweet 


The Count Entertained. 


75 


tones, will evermore bless me !’' whispered the 
Count across the table. I have no terms in which 
to tell you how I am charmed and delighted !'* 

“ Indeed !” responded Nona, with a singular 
smile — yet one that completed the mental intoxica- 
tion of the Count. ‘‘You value me too highly 
altogether 

“Capital! glorious!’' exclaimed Dos Montes, 
again filling the Count's wine-glass and his own. “ I 
am proud and happy to hear ’these fiashes of wit and 
sentiment ! I haven't felt so much like a man of 
family for more than ten years !'' 

The stem look of authority with which he had of 
late invariably regarded Nona, had now given place 
to a look of beaming admiration and approval. As 
to the Count, he was almost as much overjoyed as 
the planter. 

“ I beg leave to assure you, my dear Nona," he 
observed, “ that I fully appreciate your self-sacrifice 
in obeying the wishes of your father, in regard to 
the reception of my addresses !" 

Nona bowed, and immediately inquired if he 
would not have a piece of roast chicken. 

“ Thank you," he responded. “ As I was about to 
observe, I never knew how to appreciate the noble- 
ness of your character until now !" 

“ Indeed. Permit me to help you to some more 
grav}^," was her reply. 

“ Channing !" again ejaculated Dos Montes, too 
obtuse to notice that NcTna was purposely sandwich- 


76 


The Diamond Seeker. 


ing the high-flown sentimentalities of the Count 
between the common -places of dinner-table courtesy- 

“ A charming girl, Count, if I do say it ! I am 
glad to see you, my children, in such a fair way to 
appreciate each other !” 

He had already partaken of so much wine, in his 
joyous excitement, that the room appeared full of 
prime ministers, emperors, and angelic ladies of the 
Court, chief among whom was his own beautiful 
daughter. 

A glass to Nona, my dear Count,” cried Dos 
Montes, as he mistook his guest’s thoughtful silence 
for the bashfulness of the tender passion. We 
must do her honor !” 

With all my heart,” was the response, and each 
uttered a wordy and high-sounding sentiment, 
which the fair girl acknowledged with a stately bow. 

We need not linger upon the scene presented at 
the dinner-table, nor upon that which followed the 
bounteous repast, when the planter and his daugh- 
ter, the latter escorted by the Count, proceeded to 
the parlor. The general effect of the occasion had 
been pleasant to everybody but Nona. 

At last all goes well,” observed Dos Montes, as 
he looked from one to the other. How this dinner 
has brought us together in the bonds of affection ! 
Permit me, my dear Count, to again welcome you 
to my house as my son !” 

He bowed a number of times, with all the polite- 
ness of which he was capable, to the new pillar of 


The Cotmt Entei'tained. 


77 


his house, and — for the first time in years — 
embraced and kissed Nona. 

“ All is now arranged upon a sure basis,’' he con- 
tinued, with a look of satisfaction. “ The wedding 
shall take place at any day you may appoint, but 
the earlier the better. As young hearts are better 
company than old heads, my dear Count, I will 
leave you and Nona to discuss all these affairs, 
while I take a turn in the garden. Be happy, my 
children, and receive a father’s blessing !” 

“ But it is possible ” — began the Count, with an 
uneasy air, not liking the expressions which suc- 
ceeded one another on Nona’s face — ‘^perhaps — 
that is — ” 

Have no fears,” interrupted Dos Montes, with 
an attempt to look wise. I comprehend all these 
things. It is natural for you to approach the sub- 
ject with some anxiety and timidity, but all will be 
well. Let me know, Nona,” and he gave her a 
warning look, “ if you and the Count cannot arrive 
at a pleasant understanding without the assistance 
of any third party !” 

Again caressing his daughter, and bowing 
repeatedly to the Count, the planter retired from 
the parlor. 



CHAPTER VIIL 

THE COUNT ASTONISHED. 

The change which came over Nona after her 
father’s departure was so instantaneous and decided, 
that the Count was almost startled by it. The 
assumed smile vanished from her face, and her 
manner became as serious as that of a judge on the 
bench. The friendly familiarity of her conversa- 
tion and deportment, gave place to an ominous 
reserve, and the changeful glances she had so recently 
bestowed upon her companion were succeeded by a 
searching and half-scornful gaze. 

Now that my father is gone,” were her first 
words, I have a few observations to make to you 
in all frankness. You have heretofore been assured. 
Count de Paos, on several occasions, that I can 
never be your wife ; and I now desire to repeat the 
assurance in such terms and under such circum- 
stances that you cannot have the least doubt in 
regard to my views and wishes !” 

The emotions of the false count, while listening 


The Count Astonished, 


79 


to these words, bordered upon delirium — surprise, 
rage, revenge, and all the worst characteristics of 
his nature being called into play by them. 

What ! has all this complaisance been assumed ?” 
he finally exclaimed, with the air of a man about 
evenly balanced between love and hate. Have I 
really been taking part in a farce or a comedy, and 
nothing more T 

He started to his feet and commenced pacing to 
and fro. 

“ I comprehend you,'* he observed, after a brief 
pause. I am cleverly punished for my presump- 
tion." 

“ Exactly," she calmly replied. ‘‘ My father 
insisted that I should dine with you to-day, and that 
I should appear as smiling and agreeable as possible, 
and I have endeavored to comply with his wishes !" 

The count could have gnashed his teeth, in his 
chagrin, had it not been that Nona's cold glances 
were upon him. 

“ What consideration is owing to a man who 
repeatedly forces himself upon the notice of a lady, 
I will not attempt to decide," Nona quietly pro- 
ceeded. I trust I have given you a lesson. I have 
had regard enough for your feelings to conceal my 
own in the presence of my father and others, but 
the time has come for you to know them. If you 
are the honorable man you have been pronounced, 
I appeal to you. Count de Paos, to persecute me no 
longer with your attentions. It is impossible for me 


8o 


The Diamond Seeker, 


ever to regard you with those sentiments with 
which a wife should regard her husband. For your 
own sake, as well as for mine, I must request you to 
receive these assurances as final 

She uttered these words in a firm tone of voice, 
with a stately bow, and turned to leave the apart- 
ment. The count threw himself at her feet, seizing 
her by the hand, in a paroxysm of conflicting 
emotions. 

“ Stay,” he exclaimed. Surely you cannot be so 
cruel. Deign to retract these terrible words. Per- 
mit me to hope that you will revoke this decision — ” 
It cannot be,” Nona interrupted, with averted 
face, as she disengaged her hand. Spare yourself 
this needless humiliation, Count de Paos. I cannot 
be your wife, never, never !” 

He started to his feet, folding his arms, and gazed 
upon her with emotions she could not clearly 
define. 

‘‘ As you suggest,” he soon declared, in a deliber- 
ate voice, “ I will spare myself the humiliation of 
further appeals. Your father has done me the 
honor to favor my suit, and to his hands — ” 

Nona interrupted him with an impatient gesture, 
while a look of scorn and loathing passed over her 
face. 

I had hoped,” she said, in a cold and cutting 
voice, ‘‘that you would have honor and chivalry 
enough not to press a suit distasteful to me, under 
the cover of my father’s authority. Do you wish me 


The Cotint Astonished, 


8i 


to understand that I was mistaken, and that you will 
persist in persecuting me, under his permission ?’' 

Her clear eyes rested upon his face in such a 
searching way, that he manifested a guilty con- 
sciousness of the despicable meanness which filled 
his heart. 

‘‘ I look upon your present opposition to my suit,’' 
he replied, ‘‘ as the result of a transient delusion, or 
as one of those foolish fancies which frequently turn 
the heads of young girls. I am fully convinced that 
your estimable parent will coincide with me in this 
view of the matter. Under these circumstances I 
shall be compelled to regard your declarations as 
mere ravings, and to look to your father for such 
measures as will effectually convince you of your 
error !” 

Nona had no language in which to express the 
scorn produced by these words. 

“ In a word,” the Count added, giving vent to his 
wrath and mortification, that you may know mjy 
views, in exchange for yours, let me assure you that I 
shall continue to regard you as my future wife. I 
never had so many inducements for persevering in 
my suit as now,” and he smiled in his most malicious 
manner. “ I have just learned how necessary you 
are to my serenity of mind.” 

The real nature of the false Count was so plainl}^ 
betrayed in these few menacing words, that Nona 
recoiled from him in astonishment. 

“ Very well, Senor,” was Nona’s defiant response, 


82 


The Diamond Seeker, 


I have long thought ‘you unworthy of the station 
you fill, and I now know it ! I will not longer 
breathe the air polluted by your presence.” 

She turned away, with a look expressive of the 
loathing with which the unmanly conduct of the 
Count had inspired her, and was passing from the 
apartment, when her father presented himself before 
her with a roar of perfect fury, and nearly choking 
with his rage and mortification. He had overheard 
the greater part of the preceding conversation, hav- 
ing quietly returned from the garden for that pur- 
pose, and would have burst in upon the couple long 
before the scene reached its culmination, had it not 
^ been for the violence of his emotions, which 
momentarily paralyzed him. 

To think, you ungrateful girl !” he exclaimed, as 
he caught her by the arm and shook her violently, 
that you must destroy all of my prospects by your 
insane obstinacy to my wishes ! What do you mean ? 
I’ll lock you up in a lunatic asylum ; I’ll feed you 
on bread and water ! Sit down here,” and he 
thrust her into a chair, and let us see what you 
have to say for yourself, eh ?” 

“ I perceive that I am not wanted here,” observed 
the Count, blandly bowing to the planter, and will 
accordingly take my leave !” 

“ Stay, Count,” exclaimed Dos Montes, with 
increased excitement. I beg you not to leave us 
in displeasure, as much as my daughter’s conduct 
merits blame. I assure you that she shall be 


The Cou7it Astonished, 


8 


brought to her senses. Wait in the same noble 
patience with which you have listened to her sense- 
less appeals.’' 

I leave the whole matter in your hands,” 
responded the Count, again bowing. ‘‘ I am not in 
the least surprised or offended at your daughter’s 
conduct — I am influenced solely by sentiments of 
affection and pity !” 

Noble and generous man !” exclaimed the 
planter. Do you hear, girl ? Do you realize the 
worth of the heart you are so madly rejecting.? 
Drive up and see us frequently. Count, and do not 
pay any attention to these foolish whims. Permit 
me to still look upon you as a son, and to confidently 
hope and expect that Nona will soon do your rank 
and station justice.” 

Oh, I am not in the least offended,” rejoined the 
Count ; but I grieve for the melancholy error 
into which your daughter is being betrayed by some 
evil influence. I dare say a day or two will set mat- 
ters to rights. Good-day, fair Nona ; good-day, 
Senor Dos Montes I” 

The Count took his departure as politely and 
calmly as if nothing had occurred, but he left a 
scene behind him which beggars description, as he 
expected and intended. He had not driven out of 
the grounds in front of the house before Dos Montes 
broke out in a torrent of curses and lamentations, 
displaying more violence than Nona had ever before 
seen him exhibit. 


84 


The Diamond Seeker. 


‘‘If the Count were not the best man in the 
world/’ he finally concluded, “ he would look with 
scorn upon you, after such an exhibition as you 
have made of yourself. I would have sooner lost 
one-half of my fortune than have such a scene hap- 
pen. As the case stands, I am satisfied that fair 
means will fail to wean you from the infatuation 
under which you are laboring. The time has come 
for a different course of treatment !” 

He took her sternly by the hand, with a lowering 
brow, and conducted her into a dark and narrow 
apartment in the interior of the mansion — which 
had been formerly used as a strong-room. 

“ I am sorry to resort to such means of bringing 
you to your senses,” the planter remarked, as he 
thrust her into this place. “ I shall keep you here 
until you express your penitence, and are ready to 
attend the Count de Paos to the marriage altar !” 

Nona shuddered at her view of the prison-like 
apartment, as the thought occurred to her that her 
lover was liable to come in quest of her at any 
moment, but she had too much spirit to implore the 
planter’s mercy, or to make concessions she could 
not keep. 

“ When you are convinced that you can obey my 
wishes,” the planter observed, with a sullen wrath 
Nona had never before seen him exhibit, “ I shall 
be glad to restore you to my favor. In the mean- 
time, to convince you that I am terribly in earnest 
in the matter of your marriage with the Count de 


The Co7i7it Astonished. 


85 




Paos, you shall have nothing to eat but bread and 
water until you swear by the holy virgin and all the 
saints that you will marry him !’* 

A pang of despair shot through Nona's heart as 
she listened to this stern declaration. Worse than 
any sufferings and persecutions she could herself 
endure at the hands of her tormenters, were the 
anxieties which began to press upon her concerning 
her lover. 

While I am shut up here," she thought, “ per- 
haps Bertram will be killed by some hired assassin 
in the service of the Count !" 

The planter locked the strong door, and then 
withdrew to his own apartments. 




CHAPTER IX. 

THE WIFE OF VALLOS. 

A glow of wrath and mortification rested upon 
the face of the false Count de Paos as he rode home- 
wards in his elegant carriage, from his dinner and 
interview with Dos Montes and his daughter. His 
residence, a handsome villa, in the style which pre- 
vails in the province of Rio Janeiro, was situated in 
the midst of large and luxuriant gardens and fields, 
in the outskirts of Petropolis, at quite a distance 
from any other dwelling. Here, in all the comfort 
wealth and official honors could command, the sec- 
retary lived alone, surrounded only by faithful ser- 
vants. He had few dealings with the community 
around him, maintaining a haughty reserve towards 
all, and seldom visited or received company. 

I am in a fair way to lose the proud beauty,'' 
he muttered to himself, with a look in his eyes that 
was almost savage, as the carriage rolled up the 
broad avenue leading to the main entrance of his 
residence. “ Cursed infatuation !" and he smote his 
breast with his clenched hand. “ I would not for 


The Wife of Vallos, 87 


worlds have her know how much I love her ! Her 
very scorn has strengthened my resolve to make 
her my wife, and I will stop at no crime that will 
forward my purpose !’' 

Alighting at the broad steps of the mansion, the 
secretary drew a key from his pocket, and entered 
the house. He had scarcely crossed the threshold, 
closing the door behind him, when his quick ear 
caught the rustling of silk, and his eyes rested 
upon the form of a lady who suddenly presented 
herself in the doorway of the parlor, peering out 
upon him in the dim light of the hall. 

Ah, who are you ?’' he demanded, advancing 
towards her ; what do you want T 

“ I am your wife,” was the instant reply, and I 
want a few moments' conversation with you.” 

The face of the false Count de Paos became 
ghastly white as he recognized the woman, and it 
was a full moment before he had recovered his self- 
control. His self-possession rarely deserted him, 
and, now that he needed it the most, it did not fail 
to come to him. 

You must be mistaken, my good woman,” he 
said, in a tone studiously polite. I am the Count 
de Paos, secretary of his majesty, Dom Pedro.” 

That may all be, Joas,” said the woman, coolly ; 
^^but you are also my husband !” 

The false Count moved towards a bell-pull, with 
the evident intention of having the lady ejected 
from the house by force, and said : 


88 


The Diamond Seeker. 


I suppose, my good woman, that you are labor- 
ing under some strong hallucination. I am really 
afraid that you are insane ! Will you leave my 
house peaceably, or must I have my servants put 
you out ?’' 

^‘Come, come, Joas,*' said the lady. ‘‘You know 
me, and have played this farce long enough. If 
you need a reminder of the fact that you were once 
a mate of a ship, allow me to show you an anchor 
marked in India ink on your arm !’* 

As she spoke, the woman caught his hand and 
rolled up his sleeve. The mark of which she had 
spoken was plainly visible a little above the wrist. 
The false Count colored and bit his lips as this 
evidence of his former life was displayed, but, 
recovering himself, said : 

“Well, Mercedes, since I am fairly found out, 
how came you here and what do you want T* 

“ What do I want T she repeated, scornfully, as 
she drew her form to its utmost height, “ I want jus- 
tice !'* 

The false Count laughed uneasily, and adjusted 
his sleeve while he regarded her attentively. She 
was evidently a Portuguese peasant woman, of about 
thirty-five years, well-preserved, and having all the 
peculiarities of her race. A steady flush burned on 
her cheeks, and her coal-black hair was combed 
smoothly over her ears, and altogether she pre- 
sented an air of refinement and education above the 
sphere in which she had been born. 


The Wife of Vallos. 


89 


“ Come up stairs to my room, where we can talk, 
Mercedes,” said her husband, in a conciliating tone. 

The lady followed him up the wide staircase to a 
room over the parlor they had just left, and seated 
herself in silence, while her husband locked the door 
and drew a chair near her. 

Now tell me, Mercedes, ho\y you happened over 
here, and how you found me out,” he said, attempt- 
ing to take her hand. 

When I received the letter which you had caused 
to be written, stating that you were dead, and enclos- 
ing your wages, I believed of course that it was true, 
and sincerely mourned your death,’ though heaven 
knows you were always a cruel husband, Joas,” 
said his wife, resolutely refusing his hand. “ I 
grew poorer and poorer every day, and at length 
accepted an offer to come to Bahia as nurse with the 
family of a nobleman. I remained with them until 
a year ago, when, finding myself again out of 
employment through the death of the child whose 
nurse I was, I resolved to come to Petropolis and 
find a similar situation. Soon after my arrival, I saw 
you seated in your splendid carriage and looking 
like an emperor. I started, but did not believe the 
evidence of my senses. Again and again I saw 
you, and each time was more clearly convinced of 
your resemblance to my husband, and at last, as I 
remembered your ready villainy — you need not look 
so angry, Joas — I began to believe it might be you. 
I did not get a situation here ; on the contrary, I 


90 


The Diamond Seeke7\ 


took a little cottage and have watched you a whole 
year, sometimes doubting and sometimes believing 
that you were my husband and had purposely 
deceived me in regard to your death. As I saw you 
riding out to-day, I resolved to come and see you 
to-night. I came, not knowing but I might be 
deceived, but the moment I heard you speak I knew 
you. How came you, Joas Vallos, with the title of 
Count de Paos ? and how comes it that you hold the 
honorable post of secretary to an emperor ?’' 

The false Count had listened to his wife’s long 
narration without a trace of feeling, except that his 
color came *and went, at first, as though he were 
struggling with his emotions. He now paused a 
moment before answering her question, and finally 
said : 

“ After my arrival here, Mercedes, I had the good 
fortune to render the emperor a service, and in 
return he bestowed upon me the title I bear and the 
post I fill. Of course, you see that you are not fitted 
to be the wife of a nobleman, or appear at court ; 
so in mercy to you and myself I caused that letter 
to be written !” 

Strange that your account varies so much from 
popular report, which says that Count de Paos came 
here with his daughter from Portugal,” said Mrs. 
Vallos, drily. Now who was that daughter and 
where is she ? And as the name of the Count de 
Paos was on the list of the ship’s passengers — while 


The Wife of V alios. 


yours was down as mate — I ask you how this all 
happens, and why you lie to me ?'* 

“ Peace, woman !’* ejaculated her husband, 
angrily. “ Why do you annoy me with your sense- 
less suspicions ?’* 

His wife regarded him sorrowfully and scornfully 
a few moments, and then said : 

“O, Joas, when I look at you and remember the 
dirty and idle vagabond you used to be ; when I 
reflect that I have loved you, bad as you were, and 
that you pretended to love me ; and see you now, 
with your diamonds and laces, with your fine house 
and many slaves, with your position near the 
emperor, I can hardly realize that it is you ! It seems 
as though I must be dreaming ! By what villainy and 
imposture you have reached your present position I 
cannot even guess, but I do know, and solemnly 
warn you, that the end will surely come, and that 
your punishment will be sure and heavy !” 

The false Count had listened to his wife's impas- 
sioned warning as serenely as if she had been declar- 
ing herself deeply in love with him, and he now 
said : 

Go on, my good woman, I like to hear you ! 
After the flattery of the painted court dames it is 
really refreshing to see such honest simplicity !" 

“Joas, Joas !" said his wife, sternly, “why do you 
treat me in this style ? Has your heart never 
reproached you for your cruel deception ? Have 
you never regretted my faithful love ?" 


92 


The Diamond Seeker. 


“ Of course, of course !'* said her husband, in an 
ironical tone. I look as if I had pined away for 
love of an ignorant peasant woman, don’t I ?” 

He glanced at his portly figure as he spoke with a 
look of satisfaction, and added : 

We have had enough of this nonsense, Mercedes. 
You either want something of me, or you don’t ! 
Now come to business !” 

His wife had been attentively regarding him, and 
now said : 

‘‘What means all this paint and powder, Joas ? 
Why have you dyed those few locks of gray hair 
over your forehead? As I look at you I wonder 
more and more how I came to know you so perfectly 
the moment I saw you — your dress changes you so 
much ! For whom are you dressed so splendidly ? 
Is the common report true that you are addressing 
the beautiful daughter of Senor Dos Montes ?” 

“Is there such a report?” asked her husband, 
coolly. “ Really rumor makes pretty free with my 
doings. Suppose I intend to marry Nona Dos 
Montes — what then ?” 

His wife regarded him with a look of astonish- 
ment and horror. 

“ What !” she exclaimed, “ would you marry that 
innocent girl while you have a wife living ?” 

“ There is no knowing how long my wife may be 
living,” he replied, and his eyes expressed an awful 
menace. 

The woman cowered before that look, and an 


The Wife of Vallos. 


93 


expression of fear was mingled with the look of hor* 
ror on her face. 

^^Joas/*she finally exclaimed, ‘‘are you a fiend 
incarnate ?’' 

“ I don’t know as I am, madam, although your 
question is decidedly flattering. I believe you have 
not yet informed me what your business is !” 

“ I told you Joas, ; I want justicei' was the reply. 

“‘Well, what do you call justice Now Mercedes, 
let us come to terms. If you want money, you shall 
have it !” 

His wife made no reply. The false Count took 
his purse from his pocket and continued : 

“ I will settle a handsome sum of money on you, 
Mercedes, enough to support you in the style in 
which I live ; but you must go back to Portugal ! 
I should think you would like to go back and buy 
you a house and lord it over the peasant women 
who used to know you.” 

“Where would they think I got the money, 
Joas?” asked his wife. “Oh, my husband, do not 
send me away. I love you still, despite all the past. 
What would you do if I were away ?” 

“ Do ? I should not kill myself, I promise you. 
I shall marry Nona Dos Montes and be happy.” 

“Never! I will not agree to your terms, Joas,” 
said his wife, resolutely. “ I shall stay here, and 
you must acknowledge me as your wife and the 
rightful mistress of your establishment. I was a 
good enough wife to share your poverty, and I am 


94 


The Diamond Seeker. 


good enough to share your prosperity. I shall go 
to Nona Dos Montes and tell her who I am and 
who you are.” 

“ No, you won’t,” exclaimed her enraged husband, 
as he grasped his wife firmly. ‘‘ You won’t do any 
such thing !” 

He caught up his large linen handkerchief and 
thrust it into her mouth, and then, seizing her scarf, 
bound her arms tightly to her side, notwithstanding 
her struggles to free herself. 

‘‘ We will see now which is master, Mercedes,” 
he muttered, as he took a lamp from his dressing- 
bureau and lighted it from the gas jet. ‘^Come 
with me !” 

He half dragged, half carried her from the apart- 
ment, down the stairs, through the wide hall, and 
down another flight of stairs, through the cellar, 
into the stout wine-vault in which he had tempo- 
rarily hidden the body of Grotos years before. 

^^Now, madam,” he exclaimed, as he placed her 
on the floor and removed the handkerchief from her 
mouth, *^make yourself comfortable for the night.” 

He turned to leave the dungeon, but his wife, by 
a quick and nervous movement, disengaged the 
scarf which had become loose in her struggles, and 
sprang upon him with the ferocity of a tigress. 
The struggle that ensued was fierce. Several times 
the woman appeared about to triumph, for, like all 
her class, she was strong and active, but her hus- 
band fought well, too^ despite his years of luxury 


The Wife of Vallos. 


95 


and enervation. The false Count was several times 
thrown to the floor with a violence that shocked his 
whole frame, but in the end he triumphed. He 
flung his wife against the opposite wall and hastened 
to the door. He had barely reached the outside of 
the vault before he heard her fling herself against 
the door, but he succeeded in locking it. He then 
retraced his steps to his apartment, where he sur- 
veyed himself in the mirror. 

His face was scratched and bleeding ; his hair and 
beard were forcibly uprooted in several places, his 
ruffles were torn, and pieces of them were hanging 
in shreds, while other pieces were missing alto- 
gether. His massive watch-chain was broken, and 
he mournfully contemplated the ruins of his jew- 
elled watch, that he had ordered from Paris. Alto- 
gether he was a melancholy spectacle.*' 

‘‘ Well," he said, wiping his brow, ^‘here is a dan- 
ger met and overcome. But who would have 
thought that the woman would have recognized her 
husband in such a costume as this was, and sur- 
rounded by every evidence of rank and wealth !’* 

He bathed his face in cooling lotions, and 
assumed his dressing-gown in place of his tattered 
coat, and continued ; 

“ It is evident that I didn't give her credit for 
sufflcient penetration ! I don't believe any one but 
a woman could have recognized me ! Mad, mad ! 
Poor deluded creature ! I shall be under the 


96 


The Diamond Seeker, 


necessity of obtaining another negress to nurse her, 
and another overseer to watch her ! Ill find a 
snug retreat for her, somewhere in the wilderness, 
to-morrow !*' 




CHAPTER. X. 

UNEXPECTED ASSISTANCE. 

The wife of Vallos did not wholly despair, as 
lively as was her consciousness of her husband’s 
villainy, and as gloomy as was her situation. The 
vault in which she was confined was entirely dark, 
and so strongly built that not a sound reached her 
from the outer world. Her first impulse was to 
break all the wine bottles, but a fear of strangling 
in the fumes restrained her. Seating herself upon 
a keg of brandy, she helped herself to some wine, 
and thoughtfully revolved in her mind various 
plans of escape. 

If I had only made some one acquainted with 
the facts,” she said aloud, ‘‘ and bade them look for 
me in this house if I did not return in twelve hours ! 
But I failed to realize the wickedness of which Joas 
is capable. Besides, how could I be certain that 
this rich and honored Count de Paos was my 
husband ^ It is certain that there was a gentleman 
of that name on board the same ship of which Joas 


98 


The Diamo7id Seeker. 


was mate, and that this true Count had with him a 
daughter. Now I must not only free myself, but 
discover the mystery of their fates.'' 

Mrs. Vallos crossed the floor and felt along the 
wall for the door, but all her energetic movements 
failed to shake it. 

‘‘It is iron," she exclaimed, in a disappointed 
tone. “Can it be that Joas intends to leave me 
here until I am dead ?" 

This question was full of horror to her, and she 
resumed her seat upon the brandy keg, and en- 
deavored to think of some way by which she might 
communicate with the servants of the mansion. 
The vault was cold and damp, the stone walls 
actually felt mouldy, and her feet were cold with 
their contact with the floor. The air was almost 
stifling with a sickening odor, caused probably by 
the accidental breaking or bursting of bottles. The 
poor woman's head throbbed painfully and she 
began to feel dizzy. 

“ Oh, if I only had a breath of fresh air !" she 
exclaimed, clasping her hands to her brow. “ I 
feel myself growing weaker every moment." 

The hours rolled on, and how long she had been 
confined in that dreary and unwholesome place she 
did not know, and could not even guess. Her lips 
were parched with thirst which the wine could not 
quench, and she felt utterly despairing and hope- 
less. 

“ If I ever get out," she muttered, “ I will have 


Unexpected Assistance. 


99 


my revenge on Joas Vallos ! I will dog his steps, fol- 
low him like a bloodhound, and discover his secret, 
and then betray him ! I will triumph over him, 
even as he is now triumphing over me 

Her heart was filled with wrath and revenge, and 
she forget for a moment her situation in her longed- 
for triumph. But the chilling and sickening air of 
the vault restored her thoughts to herself, and she 
sprang up impatiently, dashing from one side to the 
other, and uttering wild cries and imprecations. 

It is of no use,’* she finally muttered. I must 
die in this wretched place — die a victim of Joas’s 
villainy. Whether I have been here hours or days, 
I know not. Joas — may the curses of an outraged 
heaven fall upon him ! — is doubtless enjoying him- 
self at court, or persecuting the daughter of Senor 
Dos Montes with his attentions, while I, his lawful 
wife, am dying in a dungeon !” 

Again the wife of Vallos gave herself up to feel“ 
ings of rage and bitterness. Finally she became 
exhausted by the violence of her emotions, and seated 
herself, folding her hands in her lap. Her attention 
was ‘suddenly aroused by hearing a slight scratch 
outside the door, and she listened eagerly. 

“ It is Joas come to torture me still further, or else 
to end my misery by a single stroke,” she thought. 

But I shall sell my life dearly. He shall not 
triumph over me without a struggle !” 

She arose and leaned against the wall, bracing 
herself against it and awaited his expected entrance. 


lOO 


The Diamond Seeker, 


To her surprise, however, the movements of the 
intruder were slow and evidently timorous. The 
key was inserted in the lock and then she heard a 
sound of retreating footsteps, as if the person were 
making sure that he was unobserved, and then he 
returned. 

‘‘It is as I thought,'' thought Mrs. Vallos, as she 
strengthened herself for a contest ; “ he has come to 
kill me !" 

The key was turned in the lock and the door was 
softly opened. The dim light of a lantern pene- 
trated into the apartment, and the next moment, to the 
surprise of the prisoner, a woolly-headed negro made 
his appearance. She saw him stop to pick up a bot- 
tle of wine, and watched his apprehensive glances 
over his shoulder, as if he half expected to behold an 
apparition, and readily comprehended that the fel- 
low had by some means gained possession of his 
master's keys in his absence, and was intending to 
regale himself on stolen wine. She saw that she 
could not effect her escape unobserved, so vigilant 
was the negro, even while he selected another bot- 
tle, and she was quickly resolved to frighten him. 
With a shrill cry she sprang forward, dashed past 
the servant, and gained the upper cellar in safety. 

The negro gave one quick yell at the sudden 
apparition, as he thought her, rolled his eyes in wild 
affright after the retreating figure, and then with a 
vivid remembrance of her wild eyes and dishevelled 
hair, fell prostrate upon the floor, giving utterance 


Unexpected Assistance. 


lOI 


to prayers and promises in a breath, and imploring 
for mercy, and declaring he would never steal again, 
never ! It was some time before he made his exit 
from the vault, his back covered with the wine and 
dirt it had collected during his frenzied contortions, 
and his face the picture of abject misery. His knees 
trembled as he locked the door after him and crept 
up stairs to restore the key to his master's pocket, 
from which he had abstracted it. 

In the meantime Mrs. Vallos had made her way 
up stairs to her husband’s sleeping apartment, and 
was surprised to find that it was morning and that 
she had only been confined about twelve hours. 
She would not leave the house until she had 
examined her husband’s papers, and endeavored to 
find something that would throw some light on the 
mystery she was determined to elucidate, or that 
would assist her in her proposed revenge. To her 
surprise and delight, she discovered upon a French 
stand at one side of the room a delicate repast, 
which had been left almost untouched. Seating 
herself at the table, she hastily satisfied her appetite 
and quenched the thirst which had almost consumed 
her. She had scarcely finished, however, when she 
heard stealthy footsteps ascending the stairs, and 
she hastily retreated towards the bed, and concealed 
herself in its silken drapery. 

The next moment the negro, who had been the 
unsuspecting instrument of her escape, entered, and 
restored the key to its proper place. The tray, from 


102 


The Diamond Seeker, 


which the food had entirely disappeared, attracted 
his attention, and he muttered : 

That thar tray was full when I war up here jes' 
now, and where's it gwine to ?" 

Mrs. Vallos, fearing discovery, gave utterance to 
a cry similar to the one with which she had before 
frightened him, and its effect was electric. With a 
wild yell, which was succeeded by a series of howls, 
the negro ejaculated — “De ghose, de ghose !" and 
rushed down the stairs three or four steps at a time, 
finishing the last half of the flight by falling head 
foremost, but he gathered himself up with increased 
fear and renewed bowlings, and rushed out of the 
house, fancying himself pursued at every step. 
When she found herself again alone, Mrs. Vallos 
examined the garments of her husband and dis- 
covered several keys. 

This must be the key to that tall secretaire in 
the corner," she said, singling out one key, “ and I 
have no doubt but I can gain easy access to his 
papers, if he has any valuable ones !" 

The result was as she had foreseen. She readily 
opened the secretaire, and discovered several pack- 
ages of papers, neatly tied, but a rapid examination 
of their contents convinced her that they had no 
relation to the secret. Bundles of deeds occupied 
niches, and packages of bank-notes and bags of gold 
were also concealed there. 

He is making preparation for any event," she 
said, glancing at them, and assuming a calculating 


U nexpected A ssistance. 


103 


air. “ Joas has now been absent from me for over 
four years, and a husband is bound to support his 
wife according* to his means ; consequently, if I take 
all the money I see, it will be only my due.*' 

With these words, and a smile lighting up her by 
no means unhandsome face, Mrs. Vallos coolly took 
possession of all the money she could find, and con- 
cealed it about her person. A few jewels of unusual 
splendor also attracted her attention, and she appro- 
priated those also, with the same appreciation of her 
merits, and what was due to her. 

‘‘ No more poverty," she soliloquized ; “ no more 
wondering where my next meal is to come from ! 
If I ever succeed in discovering the real count, I 
will return to him all that I have taken ; but this 
money does not belong to Joas any more than it 
belongs to me. I will keep it in trust for the real 
count." 

Seeing that there was nothing more of value in 
the desk, Mrs. Vallos restored the keys to her hus- 
band's pocket, and after a little further search, 
said : 

“ I have discovered nothing, gained nothing except 
this money, my liberty, and the knowledge that I 
have caused him untold annoyance and perplexity. 
But I will know his secret — I will thwart his wicked 
plans, so sure as I'm a living woman ! Last night 
I would have spared him, but now nothing can 
induce me t^ forego my revenge !" 

She smiled bitterly, as she approached the mir- 


104 


The Dia7nond Seeker. 


ror, and adjusted her dress and smoothed her hair ; 
and this smile changed to one of triumph and hatred 
as she saw the scratches on her face, and the spots 
of blood on her dress. 

Yes, yes,*' she murmured, I will be revenged !” 

Mrs. Vallos discovered her bonnet and veil in the 
corner where they had been thrown by her husband 
in their contest, and she speedily assumed them. 
She gained the outer door without being heard, and 
had no difficulty in unlocking it ; but she did not 
again breathe freely until she was beyond the gate 
and far on her way to her own residence. 

The little cottage where Mrs. Vallos lived was in 
the outskirts of the city, and stood at some distance 
from any other habitation. It contained only two 
small rooms, which were plainly and neatly fur- 
nished, and here the deserted wife had passed her 
days in solitude. To this little retreat she now 
came with unutterable satisfaction and relief — came 
to a strange meeting, and to a singular step in the 
development of our story. 



CHAPTER XI. 

NONA. 

Nona did not give way to useless grief, on finding 
herself- treated with such harsh injustice by her 
father. Quietly seating herself on an old box — 
the best seat the store-room afforded — she mused 
upon her situation, the sacrifice demanded of her, 
the expected return of her lover, and all the sub- 
jects with which her young life were concerned. 
As she had inherited a good share of her mother’s 
English courage and resolution, she naturally 
resented the treatment she had received at the 
hands of her father. 

If he thinks to conquer me by such means,” 
she said aloud, as she smiled in her bitter scorn, “ he 
will be somewhat mistaken within the next twenty- 
four hours ! And if he expects me to change my 
mind in regard to that miserable Count, he will 
soon be astonished !” 

How long she remained in that dark and disagree- 
able place, Nona had no means of knowing ; but it 
appeared to her that several hours must have passed, 


io6 


The Diamond Seeker. 


when she heard a scratching at the door — the sound 
of some one endeavoring to find the keyhole in the 
darkness. A moment later the key was turned in 
the lock, the door opened, and a light flashed upon 
her, borne in the hand of her father. 

The face of the planter was stern and sullen, and 
its effect upon Nona was not diminished by the 
sight of a loaf of bread and a pitcher of water he 
had brought her, and a hard mattress and some 
blankets a slave deposited in one corner of the nar- 
row room, entering at the heels of his master. She 
saw that her parent had made up his mind to treat 
her with the utmost severity. 

In punishing you as your conduct deserves,” he 
remarked, after surveying her a moment in silent 
wrath, I have only to place before you, at the start, 
the sole conditions on which you can take your 
proper place as my daughter. These conditions 
are, that you shall solemnly promise to marry the 
Count de Paos within a fortnight ; that you will 
instantly write to Bertram Bavaro, putting an end to 
all present relations and correspondence with him ; 
and that you will obey every wish I express to you 
between this time and the day of your marriage !” 

The planter had been conning over these declara- 
tions all the evening, and was able, despite his 
anger, to express himself in an intelligent manner 
Nona had listened without moving a muscle, or tak- 
ing her eyes from his face, and when he paused for 
her answer, she quietly replied ; 


Nona. 


107 


“ I am aware that custom, and even the law of the 
land, gives you the privilege of exercising a most 
cruel and unjust power over me — but what then ? 
Are you so little acquainted with human nature in 
general, and with me in particular, as to presume on 
forcing a woman to marry a man she does not love ? 
No, sir ; if you have made up your mind to exact 
from me the promises you rehearse, you may as 
well also make up your mind to feed me on bread 
and water as long as I am in existence !’' 

The planter looked somewhat astonished, as well 
as annoyed, by these bold declarations of opposi- 
tion and defiance ; but he controlled himself, and 
replied : 

“ You will, of course, take the course you deem 
best. I have expressed my views with sufficient 
plainness, and recommend you to give them your 
attention.*' 

He turned haughtily away and retired from the 
apartment, securely locking the door. 

‘‘Well, the siege is fairly begun,” was Nona's com- 
ment on the interview, as she again seated herself 
in the darkness. “ It must be late in the evening, 
and it is clear that he intends to leave me here the 
remainder of the night — in fact, for an indefinite 
period, as he has stated.” 

She remained silent a long period, as it seemed to 
her ; but her thoughts were busy. She thought of 
the happiness that might have been hers at that 
moment if her father had not come between her^ 


io8 


The Diamond Seeke7\ 


and Bavaro ; of the false Count ; of all the circum- 
stances of her sad fate ; and at length, naturally 
enough, she began to ask herself if there was not one 
among her father’s slaves who would come to her 
assistance. 

She had scarcely commenced to canvass this sub- 
ject in her mind, when she was startled by a faint 
noise at the door — just such a sound as the planter 
had caused by inserting the key in the lock. As she 
listened, holding her breath, she experienced a 
variety of distracting fears, not daring to hope that 
assistance was coming, and not willing to believe 
that her father had come to increase her miseries^ 
After a painful interval of suspense, she distinctly 
heard the key turned in the lock, and the next 
moment she knew by a faint jarring sound and a 
slight rush of air that the door was swinging back 
on its hinges. 

Who is there ?” she demanded, unable to see her 
hand before her face in the profound darkness. 

r was the reply, in a low and squeaking sort 
of a voice. 

The joy the utterance of that monosyllable con- 
ferred upon Nona was indescribable. She recog- 
nized the voice as belonging to a little negro boy 
not more than ten years old, the son of her nurse, 
and instantly comprehended that he had been sent 
by his mother to restore her to freedom. 

‘‘ Where are you ?” she whispered. 

Here,” and he crept noiselessly into the room. 


No7ia. 


109 


making his way on his hands and knees to her side. 

Mammy sent me here. She wants to know ef 
you’re going to stand it — ef you want anything to 
eat — and ef you have any word to send to anybody 
’bout anything.” 

In answer to Nona’s questions, the intelligent and 
courageous boy stated that Senor Dos Montes was 
abed and asleep ; that he himself had obtained the 
key of Nona’s prison from his master’s pocket ; and 
that he loved her, and was ready to run away into 
the woods with* her, and hunt game to feed her, if 
she did not desire to live with her father any more- 
The devotion of the little fellow touched Nona, and 
her apprehensions for herself gave place to a fear 
that her father might discover his presence. 

Well, Nolte,” she said, after a moment’s reflec- 
tion, “ if you can return the key without • being 
caught, and so make your guilt fall on so many 
shoulders that all will escape, I will leave this place 
forever.” 

“ Shall we run away ?” 

“ No, Nolte ; you stay with mammy, and be a 
good boy ; and there’s no telling what may happen 
one of these days. Take back the key, and tell 
mammy, if no one sees you, that I wish to see her in 
my own room.” 

The boy led the way out of the room, and Nona 
followed him. They proceeded in silence through 
the passageway to the main hall, where their steps 
diverged, Nona going to her chamber, while Nolte 


no 


The Diamond Seeker, 


crept to his master’s sleeping apartment with the 
key. In less than five minutes, our heroine, assisted 
by her nurse, was preparing herself for flight. 

‘‘ After the outrage I have suffered at the hands of 
my father,” she said, ‘‘ I will not remain another 
night under his roof until he can regard me with 
different sentiments.” 

Her nurse expressed much surprise at this resolve, 
and even ventured to remonstrate with her, remind- 
ing her how terrible it was for her to go out into the 
great world at the dead of night as a fugitive from 
her father’s house. 

‘‘ I know all that,” Nona responded to the faithful 
woman, ‘‘ and I might choose to remain if I thought 
of nothing but myself. I cannot shut my eyes to 
the fact, however, that plots of a most serious nature 
are on foot against a life that is dearer to me than 
mine, and I may be able to defeat some of these 
schemes by enlarging my freedom.” 

The simple-minded nurse did not very well com- 
prehend Nona’s meaning, nor fully realize the crisis 
which had come in the fate of her young mistress ; 
but she did not seek to dissuade her from her pur- 
pose. Taking care to see that Nona was warmly 
dressed, and that she provided herself with money, 
she resolutely suppressed her tears and apprehen- 
sions, and attended her out into the night. 

I shall not go far,” was Nona’s parting assur- 
ance to her. ‘‘I think some of going to a little 
cottage in the suburbs, and of finding a retreat for 


Nona. 


Ill 


a few days until I can learn something more about 
Senor Bavaro's return/’ 

She bade the nurse good-night affectionately, and 
set out on her lonely walk. The wind had freshened 
during the evening, the sky was partially overcast, 
and hardly a sign of life was presented to her eye. 
But neither the lateness of the hour, nor the desola- 
tion of the scene around her, could change the pur- 
pose of Nona. She felt, with a bitterness she had 
never before experienced, that her father’s house 
was no longer a home to her ; and that, her soul 
having outgrown the limits he had been pleased to 
assign it, she could not do better than to follow 
those intuitions and aspirations which love had made 
prophetic. 

It must not be supposed that Nona was taking 
such a great step without some fixed ideas as to her 
destination. She had occasionally, during the past 
year, given a piece of work to a kind-hearted and 
intelligent woman who had recently settled in the 
neighborhood — no other than Mrs. Vallos — and she 
had resolved to explain her position to this lady, and 
to remain with her a few days, if possible, until she 
could communicate with her lover. 

It did not seem a great while to Nona, in the 
agitated state of her thoughts, before she reached 
the cottage she was seeking. The thought that her 
liberty might be essential to the safety of Bertram, 
as no one could explain to him so well as herself 
his possible perils, was sufficient to inspire her with 


I 12 


The Dia77iond Seeker. 


courage for the undertaking, and she knocked reso- 
lutely at the door. Receiving no answer, she tapped 
on the windows, continuing for some time her 
efforts to make herself heard, but her knocks and 
her calls were all unheeded. 

‘‘ It cannot be that she sleeps so soundly,'’ she 
thought. ‘‘She must be away, perhaps attending 
some sick person. What shall I do T 

A few reflections decided her to effect an entrance 
into the cottage, if she could, and to wait there 
until Mrs. Vallos should return. Proceeding to the 
rear door, she raised a window beside it and removed 
the fastening over the latch, when she had no diffi- 
culty in entering. She found the room exceedingly 
pleasant, after her exposure to the night winds, and 
the stove was still warm with a recent fire, showing 
that Mrs. Vallos had not been absent many hours 
and that she did not intend to be long gone. 

Laying aside her bonnet and cloak, Nona fastened 
the door as she had found it, threw herself upon the 
little couch at one side of the apartment, weary and 
sleepy, and was soon in the land of dreams. 

The broad light of day was filling the apartment 
when Nona awoke, startled from her slumbers by 
an exclamation of surprise. She started up to find 
herself face to face with Mrs. Vallos, who had just 
entered the room, on her return from her adven- 
ture in the house of her husband. 



CHAPTER XIL 

THE WORK LAID OUT. 

The two women regarded each other a moment 
in silence, Nona with the clear gaze of an innocent 
heart, and Mrs. Vallos with a puzzled and some- 
what apprehensive expression, as if unable to believe 
the evidence of her eyes. Assured beyond all ques- 
tion that the person before her was really the 
daughter of the wealthy planter, the stern lines of 
her careworn face relaxed, and she stepped briskly 
forward to greet her. 

Why, how strange she exclaimed. “ Is it pos- 
sible that you have already learned of my troubles, 
and come to assist me ? Have you just come, and 
how did you get in 

Nona responded to all these questions and expres- 
sions of surprise in as few words as possible, 
declaring in conclusion : 

I did not have the slightest idea of your where- 
abouts, my dear Mrs. Vallos ; but 1 was in trouble — 
a fugitive — ^houseless and friendless — and I resolved 




The Diamond Seeker. 


114 


to take the liberty of entering and awaiting your 
return !” 

In response to the wondering exclamations and 
excited inquiries of Mrs. Vallos, Nona explained her 
situation as far as it was necessary for her friend to 
know. The narration of the persecutions she had 
experienced from the Count de Paos, threw the 
listener into such an extraordinary state of excite- 
ment that Nona became seriously alarmed. 

‘‘ Why does all this affect you so terribly ?’* she 
inquired, as Mrs. Vallos sank down on the sofa 
deathly pale, and apparently paralyzed with horror. 

Why V faltered the deserted wife. “ Do not be 
excited. Bend your head nearer. That man is my 
husband r 

Nona recoiled, clasping her hands to her brow, 
and reeled as if smitten by a severe blow. 

Surely I did not hear aright,” she finally mur- 
mured. Do you mean that Count de Paos is 
already married, and that yoti are his wife ?” 

I mean that this person, who calls himself the 
Count de Paos,” replied the deserted wife, with her 
simple plainness, ‘‘is not the Count de Paos at all, 
but my husband, Joas Vallos, formerly the mate of 
a vessel belonging in Lisbon !” 

If the earth had opened beneath Nona's feet she 
could not have been more surprised than she was at 
this announcement. She gazed upon the care-worn 
face before her, with its convulsive workings, and 


The JV07T Laid Ozit. 


115 


marked the glow of conflicting emotions which 
came and went thereon, as she continued : 

“ What I tell you, Nona, is true. I am the law- 
fully wedded wife of that man, the secretary of the 
emperor, who calls himself the Count de Paos.*' 

“ His wife ! his wife !*' repeated Nona, with a 
voice and manner of the wildest delight. Then I 
shall be saved from his persecutions ! My father 
cannot force me to wed a man who is already 
married ! Oh, joy — oh, gladness ! I will return to 
him instantly,*' and she started to her feet, and tell 
him — ** 

‘‘ Hush, hush, child !" interrupted Mrs. Vallos, 
throwing her arms around the overjoyed girl. 

You will ruin all by such a course of action. Do 
you think that we, a couple of weak and friendless 
women, can unmask such an extraordinary mystery 
and imposture in a moment ? Listen to me, while I 
tell you more about myself, and give you a proper 
idea of the character of my guilty husband !” 

‘‘ That’s right. Tell me all about him !” 

Mrs. Vallos proceeded to narrate her husband’s 
history and her own up to the time when she first 
came to Petropolis, and beheld him in his assumed 
character of the Count de Paos. 

“ Of course, I could not immediately believe the 
evidence of my eyes,” she continued, ^‘when they 
told me that my husband, the mate of a vessel, was 
the private secretary of the emperor, and a wealthy 
count, owning a vast estate, and living in a splendor 


The Diamond Seeker. 


1 16 


of which I had not even dreamed. I contemplated 
this great mystery for months before I could receive 
the truth as being within the bounds of possibility. 
At length I took possession of this cottage, and have 
supported myself by working for you and others. I 
felt obliged to introduce myself everywhere as a 
widow, not daring to lisp a word of my suspicions to 
any mortal. The rest can easily he told. Hearing 
yesterday that the count was paying his addresses 
to you, I became nearly distracted with my doubts, 
suspicions and miseries, and finally resolved to go 
boldly to his house, and meet him face to face, and 
settle the dread mystery which was slowly consum- 
ing my life !’* 

She paused a few moments, utterly overwhelmed 
by her grief, but at length continued : 

“ To sum up all in a few words, I found that the 
self-styled Count is really my husband, Joas -Vallos, 
formerly the mate of a vessel, and I made him 
acknowledge the fact !” 

You did ? You made him acknowledge you as 
his wife V 
“ I did 

‘^Then I am saved !” exclaimed Nona, again giv- 
ing way to her sensations of relief. “ If you know 
that he is your husband — ” 

Softly,” said Mrs. Vallos. All the facts I have 
learned have not opened a way out of the terrible 
perils which menace us — they have merely shown 
how utterly helpless we are at this very moment !'* 


The Work Laid Oict. 


117 


She sobbod violently a minute or two, remember- 
ing her most fortunate escape from death itself, at 
the hands of her remorseless husband, and then 
raised her face to Nona’s view. 

‘‘ Look at me,” she said, with the keenest anguish 
and bitterness. Look at my scratched face, at the 
black and blue spots on my limbs, and at my torn 
garments !” 

What ! did he assault you ?” cried Nona, in 
astonishment and indignation. 

‘‘Worse than that, he shut me up in his wine 
vault, with the intention, no doubt, of starving me 
to death ! Oh, there’s no language to express the 
wickedness of that man !” 

She narrated the circumstances of her most 
providential escape, adding : 

“ You see what a terrible risk I have run, and at 
the same time what a terrible warning I have 
received.” 

“ But surely,” rejoined Nona, “ if there is no 
doubt of his being your husband, we can speedily 
unmask him ?” 

“How?” demanded Mrs. Vallos, with increased 
bitterness. “ Shall I, an obscure nobody, present 
myself to the emperor or to any high official of the 
empire, and claim the honored and wealthy 
Count de Paos as my husband ? Would I not be 
peremptorily locked up as a lunatic, if I should tell 
and persist in telling, such an absurd story ?” 


ii8 


The Diamond Seeker, 


The listener shuddered at the effect of these per- 
tinent inquiries, and replied : 

I begin to see the desperate character of our 
cause. Your simple accusation would have no 
other effect than to get you into trouble !’* 

The women both maintained a thoughtful silence 
for a few moments, and then Nona said : 

I cannot comprehend how the mate of a vessel 
can be the Count de Paos. If I have rightly under- 
stood my father, this title has been handed down 
from father to son for several centuries, and it is 
clear that a real Count de Paos did arrive in this 
country about four years ago, attended by his 
daughter, a young girl, who has since died at school 
in Paris !*' 

“ True, there was^ and I think w, a real Count de 
Paos. I have seen the name on the passenger-list 
of the vessel of which my husband was the first 
mate. From all the circumstances of the case, it 
appears that my husband put the real Count and 
his daughter out of the way, and has since been 
figuring under his title and honors. But how was 
this great crime accomplished 

“ You appear to have an idea that the real Count 
is in existence,” said Nona, ‘‘but on what is this 
opinion based ?” 

“ Principally on a rumor I have heard to the effect 
that the Count has some relatives somewhere in the 
country, who are insane, and maintained in an out- 
of-the-way place at his expense. Joas used to talk 


The Work Laid Oat. 


119 


sometimes in his sleep, and it is possible that the 
rumor in question is founded on something he has 
been overheard to say while in that condition !" 

The mystery bound up in the existence of Joas 
Vallos was further discussed, and the deserted wife 
and Nona both realized the peril with which they 
were menaced by him. 

‘‘ Let him once get you locked up as a lunatic or 
imposter,” said Nona, and he will have no difficulty 
in preserving the good opinion of my father, and 
consequently in exposing me to a grief of which I 
cannot see the end. I am convinced that my father 
will never consent to my marriage with Bertram 
Bavaro, as long as the false Count maintains his 
present influence over him, and it therefore becomes 
a most urgent step to expose your husband in such 
a way as to make his disgrace speedy and final !” 

Mrs. Vallos shook her head with the air of one 
who cannot see the way out of existing troubles, and 
is almost in despair. 

‘‘ Heaven only knows,” she said, ‘‘ how long we 
shall either of us be in the possession of our liberty. 
I presume your father will commence the most 
energetic search for you the instant he discovers 
your absence !” 

“ Certainly ; and I shudder at the possibility ot 
being found by him. I had rather die than fall into 
his hands, so long as he is devoted, body and soul, 
to the interests of your husband. How would it do 
to appeal ” 


120 


The Diamond Seeker, 


Mrs. Vallos interrupted the question with a dis- 
approving gesture, as she said : 

We can appeal to no one until there is more evi- 
dence in the case than my empty assertions. When 
do you expect Senor Bavaro to return T 

“ Daily and hourly,'* replied Nona, her face 
brightening at the thought of her lover. “ I am 
almost certain that he will be here to-day, and 
surely he can aid us !" 

Mrs. Vallos again shook her head. 

“ With two such enemies as your father and the 
false Count, he will be fortunate if he takes care of 
his own safety and freedom. Alas ! turn which way 
I will, I see nothing but desolation and sorrow !" 

As she dropped her hands despairingly, they came 
in contact with her pocket, containing the money 
she had taken from her husband’s house. 

“ At least,” she added, with a momentary gleam 
of satisfaction we shall have means to support and 
protect ourselves, as far as money is concerned. 
You shall remain with me, and we will both remain 
as secret as possible, while awaiting Senor Bavaro’s 
return, and pursuing our inquiries !” 

In the meantime, the false Count, on entering 
from his accustomed morning stroll about his 
estate, had discovered the escape of his wife, and 
the abstraction of his money. For a moment he 
stood like one confounded and terrified, but the 
next instant he drew himself up, with a chuckle of 


The JVork Laid Out. 


121 


triumph, and with a sinister gleam of satisfaction in 
his eyes. 

“Good,” he exclaimed, as he rubbed his hands in 
an ecstasy of revengeful emotions. “ I can trans- 
port her ten years for taking that money, and I will 
do it ! True, she will say that she is my wife, and 
that I am an imposter and all that ; but those declar- 
ations will only the more surely seal her doom, as 
the judges will think it a brazen and infamous series 
of falsehoods to cover her guilt ! Ha, ha ! she told 
me s^e was living in a little cottage in the suburbs, 
and I can speedily get trace of her by employing a 
discreet agent ! Ha, ha 1 Mrs. Vallos ! we will soon 
see who triumphs I” 




CHAPTER XIII. 

THE DIAMOND SEEKER S RETURN. 

The voyage of Bertram Bavaro and his friend 
lasted nearly all the remainder of the night. The 
story told by Pizarro, after abruptly awakening our 
hero, concerning his adventure with Berta, had fur- 
nished the staple of an endless discussion. At one 
moment, they were both ready to credit every word 
the poor girl had uttered ; and the next, after a 
further review of the subject, they had reluctantly 
acknowledged to each other that her revelation had 
the air of those vagaries which frequently charac- 
terize a diseased mind. 

And yet, I did not have a suspicion of the kind 
until after her departure,*' said Pizarro, as they 
returned to the affair for at least the fortieth time. 
‘‘ And even now — ** 

He broke off abruptly, as if his mind, after all 
their discussions, was as much in uncertainty as 
ever. 

‘‘ The truth is,** responded Bavaro, ** it is simply 


The Diamond Seeker s Reticrn, 


123 


impossible for us to decide, on the testimony we 
have, whether the poor girl is insane or not.’* 

True, but, by my soul !” declared Pizarro, with 
unusual energy, “ I will not dismiss her from my 
mind until I know more about her. I will learn 
who Count de Paos is, where he came from, and all 
the particulars about his character and family ; and 
if there are two persons claiming the name, I am 
resolved to know whether madness or villainy is at 
the bottom of that poor girl’s sorrows.” 

I approve of that resolution, Jose, for more rea- 
sons than one,” replied Bavaro. “ In the first place, 
if the girl is what she declares herself to be, it would 
be cruel for us to neglect the appeal she has made 
to you for assistance. In the second place, there 
can be no harm in learning something about her and 
her family, even if she is insane ; and, finally, if you 
should expose the villainy which may be bound up 
in this affair, and set all to rights, who knows but 
that you may be drawn out of your moody bachelor- 
ship by her.” 

Pizarro smiled sadly, as he replied : 

“ The least I can do is to present her letter to the 
emperor, providing I can obtain access to him. Ah, 
here we are,” he added, with a long and searching 
glance ahead. We are at the Parahiba.” 

Sure enough, and yonder is the village of Dos 
Rios, on the opposite bank of the river. I am thank- 
ful we have been so successful in our inpromptu 
voyaging.” 


124 


The Diainoiid Seeker. 


Pizarro plied the oars with energy, and the boat 
soon drew np alongside a rude quay, consisting of 
several large logs, which distinguished the port of 
Dos Rios. Like the majority of the villages in Bra- 
zil, this river town presented a strange mixture of 
races and pursuits, from tribes of wandering savages 
to foppish young students and grave merchants. 
The hour of the diamond seeker’s arrival was so 
early that not a person or a sign of life was visible 
as they landed. 

“ Two hours more, providing we can find good 
mules, will take us to Valenca,” was the exclamation 
of Bavaro, in more joyful tones than he had lately 
used. ‘‘ Our first task is to obtain a breakfast, and 
then we will leave the boat in safe hands, hire our 
mules and attendants, and go on our way rejoicing.” 

Proceeding up the main street of the village, the 
adventurers soon encountered a buxom-looking dame, 
who was sweeping off the sidewalk in front of her 
dwelling. In response to the inquiries and obser- 
vations of our tired and hungry voyagers, she 
declared that she kept a lodging house, and could 
give them a breakfast in a few minutes, besides 
introducing them .to a couple of muleteers, who 
would transport them to Valenca quicker than the 
distance was ever traversed by man before. 

Very well,” observed Pizarro, as he smiled at the 
bustling air of the woman. Only do us one half 
of these favors, and there is a brace of milreas for 
you.” 


The Diamond Seeker s Reticrn, 


125 


Being now fairly out of the wilderness of the Par- 
ahibi, ‘and within the precincts of civilization, the 
diamond seekers became happy in the prospect of 
reaching Petropolis before night. The bustling 
hostess they had encountered speedily served them 
up a tempting breakfast, and at the same time 
aroused the two men whose services she had prom- 
ised to her guests. In the course of three-quarters 
of an hour all the arrangements were made, and the 
adventurers set out on a couple of mules for Valenca. 

The remainder of the homeward journey was per- 
formed without any incident calling for special men- 
tion. Just as the day was drawing to its close, 
Bavaro and his friend reached the station at Petrop- 
olis, and drove away in the twilight to his neat but 
humble cottage. 

It is needless to say that the return of our hero 
produced a great sensation in the circle in which he 
formerly moved. Having been seen and greeted at 
the station by several of his former acquaintances, 
not an hour elapsed before public rumor was busy 
with his arrival, his appearance, his riches, and all 
his affairs. He was met at the door of his resi- 
dence by the person he had left in charge, a moth- 
erly old dame — a former dependant of his mother ; 
and he received such a warm welcome that Pizarro 
sighed over the contrast between Bertram’s fate and 
his own. 

After a shower of greetings and explanations on 
both sides, a good supper was served up to the wan- 


126 


The Diamond Seeker. 


derers, and they entered upon the discussion of the 
considerations growing out of our hero’s return. 

“ Having the promise of Senor Dos Montes,” 
Bavaro declared, I shall pay him a visit at a sea- 
sonable hour of the morning, to claim its fulfilment.” 

‘‘And I,” said Pizarro, “will avail myself of the 
same hour, to pay a visit to the Mayor. He used 
to be friendly to my father, and will no doubt bring 
this petition to the emperor’s notice. It is possible 
that it is nothing but a tissue of delirium, but I will 
take the risk of forwarding it through the Mayor, 
explaining myself as fully to him as I can. You 
know that I might be weeks in gaining a personal 
audience with his Majesty, and that is why I adopt 
this course.” 

The following morning Pizarro waited upon the 
Mayor of Petropolis, and gave him the petition he 
had received from Berta, earnestly imploring him to 
present it to his Majesty in person, assuring him 
that it contained revelations of the most vital inter- 
est to the State. The Mayor declared that he would 
faithfully present it to his Majesty the next time he 
was admitted to his presence, and that he would 
use whatever influence he possessed to ensure for 
it instant attention and all possible favor. Satisfied 
that he had secured a better fate for the petition 
than it could have received if presented by his own 
hands, he said he would call in a few days, to learn 
any facts that might arise from its presentation, and 
returned in a hopeful state of mind to his friend. 


The Dia7noncl Seekei^^s Retu7^7L 


127 


I hope you will be successful in your visit to Dos 
Montes/' he said to our hero. ‘‘ Go hopefully — go 
as the possessor of a hundred thousand dollars 
should go ; and I will await your return." 

‘‘ I am hopeful, dear Jose," replied Bertram, ‘‘for 
have I not fulfilled the sole condition Senor Dos 
Montes made to my marriage with Nona?" 

On his arrival at the mansion of Dos Montes, 
Bavaro was met by the father of his betrothed and 
treated with the utmost civility. 

“Glad to see you back again, Senor Bavaro," 
exclaimed the planter, directing him to a seat. “ It 
must be pleasant for you to return after a year’s 
wanderings among the jungles and mountains thou- 
sands of miles away, eh ?" 

“ It is, indeed," replied Bavaro, “ overjoyed at his 
reception. “ I have returned at last to claim the 
hand of your daughter Nona. I have fulfilled our 
agreement, sir, and am the possessor of diamonds 
to the value of a hundred thousand dollars !" 

“ Hundred thousand dollars !" ejaculated the 
planter. “ It seems incredible ! Why, how did it 
happen that you were so successful ?" 

“ I had Nona’s love to encourage me, and also your 
promise that she should be mine," replied Bavaro. 
“ With such inducements I could not fail to succeed !" 

The planter looked thoughtful, but neither the 
success of the young man nor the fact that he had 
promised Nona to him in marriage, influenced him 
for one moment. He was as firmly resolved as ever 


128 


The Diamond Seeker, 


that his daughter should wed a man of noble birth 
and political influence, and nothing could change his 
resolution. 

There was a moment’s silence, which was broken 
by Bavaro, who asked if Nona was well, and if he 
might be permitted to see her. 

“ Nona is as well as usual,” replied Dos Montes, 
with increased politeness ; “ but I shall be compelled 
to deny your request, Senor Bavaro.” 

“ Deny my request to see Nona !” demanded 
Bavaro, in astonishment. ^‘Do you mean, Senor 
Dos Montes, to retract your word ?” 

“ My word that Nona should be your wife on con- 
dition of your gaining wealth was given under pecul- 
iar circumstances,” answered Dos Montes, avoiding 
the searching gaze of the young man. At the time 
I gave you the promise I felt a strong interest in 
you, and was influenced by Nona’s childish love for 
you. Now all is changed. Nona’s hand is sought 
in marriage by a noble who stands high in his 
Majesty’s favor, and is the scion Df one of the oldest 
houses in Portugal. I have given my consent, and 
Nona will become the wife of Count de Paos in a 
fortnight !” 

‘‘Fortnight! Count de Paos!” ejaculated the 
young man. 

Even in the misery caused by the heartless words 
of the planter, Bertram remembered Pizarro’s adven- 
ture with Berta Paos, and her statement concerning 


The Diamond Seekers Reitirn. 129 


the man who had usurped her father’s title and for- 
tune. 

Yes, the Count de Paos, secretary to his Majesty,” 
replied Dos Montes, with evident pride. They are 
to be married in a fortnight. I am sorry for your 
disappointment, Senor ” 

“ Does Nona consent to this ?” demanded Bavaro. 

I know she has been true tome, whatever you may 
say ! Where is she ? I must see her !” 

“ You cannot see her ! Nona is lost to you for- 
ever ! Give up your ambitious dreams, Senor 
Bavaro, and look elsewhere for a wife. I tell you 
that I have other views for her !” 

“ If you disregard your promise,” said Bavaro, ^4f 
you break your word to us both, think what a life- 
time of misery you would inflict upon us ! I beseech 
you, Senor Dos Montes, by the love you bore your 
own lost wife, give me Nona ! I will love and cher- 
ish her as the apple of my eye, as the life of my life, 
the soul of my soul !” 

The young man’s impassioned words had no effect 
whatever upon the ambitious planter. 

‘‘ It is useless to talk to me,” he said, quietly. 
“ Do you suppose I would grant to your words what 
I would refuse to the silent pleadings of my own 
child ? To show you that I am affected by neither, 
I will tell you that I have confined Nona in a strong 
room, where she receives no food but bread and 
water, and where she will see no face but mine until 


130 


The Diamond Seeker. 


she promises to become the wife of the Count de 
Paos/’ 

Oh, heaven !” cried Bavaro, almost overcome by 
the picture thus presented. “ How can you thus 
treat your innocent child, Senor Dos Montes ? Con- 
sent, I beseech you 

Nonsense,” interrupted the planter, as he arose 
from his seat. “ You know very well that I have 
the reputation of being a man of honor, and I have 
given my word to the Count that Nona shall be his 
wife.” 

“ And your word to me ?” said Bavaro, bitterly. 

“ That is a different thing. I never expected you 
would return with a single gem ; indeed, I never 
expected you would come back at all ! I am sorry, 
however, for your disappointment, Senor Bavaro, 
and wish you better luck next time. Come, forget 
your troubles, and let us have a glass of wine 
together.” 

Bertram declined the civility, and made a further 
effort to soften the obdurate heart of the old planter, 
but did not succeed. He begged to be allowed to 
say one word to Nona, but Dos Montes denied the 
request. At length, with an almost breaking heart, 
Bertram took his departure, and Dos Montes pro- 
ceeded to prepare the frugal breakfast he allowed 
to Nona. 

The emotions with which Bertram returned to his 
humble cottage, after his interview with Dos 
Montes, are beyond our powers of expression. The 


The Diamond Seeker s Return, 


131 


positive assurance that Nona had been placed in 
confinement, and that she would not be restored to 
the light of day until she promised by all she held 
sacred to become the wife of Count de Paos, had 
plunged him into the most exquisite misery. He 
comprehended that in Brazil, more than in most 
other countries, the parent has a despotic power in 
his own house and family, and realized only too 
clearly how utterly impossible it was for any power 
at his command to mitigate the poor girl’s oppres- 
sion. 

All day long he remained in his cottage, occa- 
sionally receiving a visit from some old friend or 
acquaintance who had heard of his return. Among 
all these visitors there was not one to whom he 
could unburden the misery stifling his whole soul, 
and the hours dragged on wearily enough. Plan 
after plan for rescuing Nona was formed and dis- 
missed, reflection finding some fatal defect in every 
one of them, and the shades of evening found him 
plunged in the deepest despair, which even Pizarro 
could not remove. 

Soon after nightfall, however, a lady closely 
veiled called to see Bertram, having heard that he 
was at home. She was Mrs. Vallos, and had come 
at Nona’s instance to guide him to her presence. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BERTRAM AND NONA. 

The joy with which Bavaro hastened to Nona can 
be better imagined than described. The poor girl 
was quite overcome at the first view of his pale 
face ; but the loving glances of his eyes soon filled 
her soul with peace, and she told him how she had 
been persecuted and fied from her father, and lis- 
tened to the recital of all that had befallen him in 
his absence. 

Before I proceed to details,” was his commence- 
ment, “ let me show you the results !” 

He produced his hard-earned treasures, and 
placed them in her hands. 

Oh, how did you get so many ?” Nona inquired. 

“ It was owing to our good fortune,” he replied. 
“We went prospecting for ourselves, as soon as we 
reached the diamond district, and chanced to hit 
upon a ravine of unusual richness.” 

Nona examined the diamonds with feelings of 
wonder and satisfaction, but soon said : 




Bertram and No?ia. 


133 


“ They are as nothing in my sight in comparison 
with you. Alas ! that these diamonds cannot gain 
my father's consent to our marriage !" 

“ Well, we must make the most of our unhappy 
condition. It seems that your father is ambitious of 
official power and distinction, and these honors have 
been promised him by your suitor as a reward for 
his good offices in the matter.” 

“ That's the whole secret of my father's conduct,” 
sighed Nona ; “ and, oh, Bertram, if you only knew 
the wickedness of the secretary you would not won. 
der that I have fled to avoid him.” 

“ Why, what has he done ?” 

Nona proceeded to narrate to her lover all that 
she and Mrs. Vallos knew or had heard concerning 
him. It is unnecessary to say that he was greatly 
astonished, and, at times, completely carried away 
with his emotions, so terribly did these communica- 
tions agree with those Berta had made to Pizarro ; 
and when she had concluded the startling narrative 
he said : 

“ This is indeed a terrible story ; but I can tell you 
one which will keep it company, and throw a great 
deal of light upon it.” 

He hastened to narrate the adventure of his friend 
with Berta de Paos, and both Nona and Mrs. Vallos 
could not restrain their tears, either at the sad 
recital, or at the evident providence with which the 
life and lot of that poor girl had become associated 
with their own. 


^34 


The Diamond Seeker. 


Strange, strange,” was the exclamation of Nona, 
when her lover had finished. It is clear, Bertram, 
that we can never gain my father's consent until we 
have unmasked this deeply-dyed villain. We can- 
not he happy until we have secured the happiness 
of the unfortunate nobleman and his daughter, and 
brought their cruel enemy to punishment. In a 
word, the star of this false Count must set before 
ours can be in the ascendant.” 

“ True, darling, and this is the task to which my 
friend and I have been all day directing our 
attention. We have had a number of earnest dis- 
cussions during the day, since I saw your father, 
and we have concluded that one or both of us will 
go back to the Parahiba, and put things in train for 
rescuing the Count and his daughter. My friend 
has become deeply interested in the whole subject, 
and will be unable to content himself here after I 
have revealed to him the facts you have just told 
me.” 

While the lovers had been holding this conversa- 
tion in the parlor of the little cottage, Mrs. Vallos 
had considerately left them nearly all the time to 
themselves, passing the time in the back room and 
out of doors ; but she now abruptly entered their 
presence, saying that she had been startled by find- 
ing a man lurking under the garden wall in the 
immediate vicinity of the house. 

‘‘ He fled as soon as I saw him,” she added, “ and 
quickly vanished from view. Perhaps it was noth- 


Bertram and Nona. 


135 


ing ; and yet, with such a desperate villain as Joas, I 
am so nervous that every little incident startles 
me. 

She had only too much cause for her inquietude, 
for the man she had seen was a spy of the false 
Count de Paos. 

The interview between the lovers, in which Mrs. 
Vallos occasionally took a part, was prolonged until 
a late hour, and then they separated with words of 
mutual consolation and hope, not wholly uncon- 
scious of their dangers, but yet with hearts so full 
of the faith of true love that they could not help 
but look hopefully upon the great future. 

Immediately after his inteiwiew with our hero, 
Senor dos Montes had presented himself at the 
door of his strong-room for the second time, with a 
loaf of bread and a pitcher of water in his hand. 
The darkness of the passage-way leading to his 
impromptu prison was, as we have previously indi- 
cated, so great as to render the sense of touch more 
essential than that of sight in approaching the 
entrance, and it thus happened that he did not 
become conscious of Nona's escape until his nose 
came in painful contact with the edge of the half- 
open door. 

“ Death and furies !" was his angry exclamation, 
as the pitcher of water fell to the floor with a crash. 
“Who has been here?" And he rushed into the 
room, falling headlong over the box Nona had used 


136 


The Diamond Seeker. 


for a seat. “ Hello ! help ! destruction take her ! 
who has been setting my authority at defiance T' 

His yells soon collected half a dozen of his slaves, 
male and female, at the entrance of the passage- 
way ; but the violence of his curses and menaces 
terrified them so much that not a single one of 
them could be found bold enough to proceed to his 
assistance. His appearance among them was the 
cause of a general scampering, so terrific was his 
appearance, with his bloody nose, his rage, and all 
the fiendish passions his countenance revealed. 

^‘Who has done this?’' he shouted, shaking his 
clenched hand at the two or three servants who had 
the courage to remain. ‘‘Who has released my' 
daughter, and where has she gone? Speak, you 
rascals, or I’ll skin you alive !” 

All his inquiries and menaces were fruitless, and 
he finally called his carriage and went to consult 
with the Count de Paos, who consoled him as no 
other man could have done, assuring him that all 
would be right in a day or two. 

“ Oh, if I had known that she was gone this morn- 
ing when that infernal diamond seeker came to see 
me, I would have shut him up in her place,” 
declared the planter. “Can it be that he called 
upon me merely to blind me, and that he had already 
made arrangements to run away with my daughter ?” 

The false Count shook his head. 

“ I think they are not in collusion — in fact, that 
your daughter is not aware of that fellow’s return. 


Bertram arid Nona, 


137 




I shall soon know how it is, however. I have seen 
a man in quest of information, and will ride down 
and report as soon as I hear any news. In the mean- 
time, if some thieving and unscrupulous fellow 
should happen to learn that this diamond seeker 
has a handsome prize in his possession, he might 
be visited before another sunrise !” 

This hint was not lost on Senor Dos Montes, as 
we shall see. 






CHAPTER XV. 

BAVARO. 

When Bertram returned to Pizarro from his inter- 
view with Nona and her temporary protectress, he 
was in better spirits than he had experienced since 
his illness. The astounding news he had learned 
concerning the false Count de Paos, had already 
endowed him with a hope that the villain might be 
exposed in season to save Nona. 

‘‘There is no question about the rescue of the 
real count,** he declared, after he had communicated 
everything to Pizarro. “We must lose no time in 
releasing and producing the real count, or we shall 
be destroyed by the false one !** 

“ True,** replied Pizarro, whose soul was moved to 
its utmost depths by the full confirmation of 
Berta*s story Nona and Mrs. Vallos had given our 
hero. “ I will take the first train in the morning, 
and return to the woods !** 

“And I—’* 

“ Will stay just where you are,** interrupted 
Pizarro. “ The wolf being here, at least one of us 


Bava7'o, 


139 


must remain here to look after your lamb. Besides, 
you are not strong enough to endure the fatigues of 
such a journey. Leave it all in my hands, Bertram, 
and keep your eyes upon Nona and the deserted 
wife !'* 

The young men discussed the situation of affairs 
at great length, and it was near twelve o'clock when 
they retired for the night. 

Never mind me," said Pizarro to Bertram. I 
am singularly wakeful to-night, and am going to 
review matters a little before I undertake to 
slumber !" 

It was no unusual thing for the Spaniard, with his 
yearning and serious nature, to spend hours, and 
even whole nights, in silent reflection, and our hero 
merely responded : 

‘‘I think you had better join me, and let every- 
thing take care of itself until morning. For my 
part, I am quite sleepy and exhausted, and feel that 
I can sleep to-night better than I have done for 
some weeks !" 

Bavaro retired and soon fell asleep. Pizarro 
stretched himself on the outside of the bed, and 
reviewed the adventures and experiences of the last 
few days. The unhappy condition of Berta de Paos 
was continually before his mind, and he endeavored 
to think of a plan of operation that would accom- 
plish all the objects Bavaro and he had in view. 

For a long time Pizarro continued to reflect upon 
the grave questions presented to his notice. The 


140 


The Diamond Seeker. 


shadows deepened around him, his friend breathed 
louder and louder, and the stillness of the night 
became more and more profound. Suddenly, while 
his wakeful eyes were turned towards one of the 
two open windows of the apartment, he beheld the 
distinct outlines of the head and shoulders of a 
man. 

No one who has not had a similar experience can 
conceive the startling effect such a spectacle at the 
dead of the night generally has, even upon per- 
sons of strong minds. There was something so 
suggestive of evil in the utter silence and repose of 
the figure, that Pizarro would have instantly chal- 
lenged its nature, if he had not seen that it was in 
motion — that the person, whoever he was, was 
slowly and almost silently introducing himself into 
the room. 

It was evident that the intruder was an assassin 
with an assassin’s purpose. As if to set at rest all of 
Pizarro’s doubts on the subject, the naked blade of 
a knife was occasionally seen to flash faintly in the 
right hand of the unknown, as he worked his way 
into the apartment. 

He was a man below the medium size and height, 
and moved with ease and agility, as was seen the 
instant he reached the flooro The simple cause of 
his appearance in the chamber of the successful 
diamond-seeker is already apparent to the reader. 
The planter had told his overseer that Bertram had 
returned from the mines with a large quantity of 


Bavaro, 


141 


diamonds, which any bold and ready hand could 
undoubtedly obtain by visiting his cottage at the 
proper hour ; and this hint had led the said over- 
seer to take counsel with a quiet and genteel 
assassin of his acquaintance, and eventually 
resulted in the appearance of this latter person in 
our hero's chamber, as we have just recorded. 

^ ' Once inside of the room, the actions of the 
intruder were sufficiently expressive. He listened 
a few moments to the regular breathing of the 
sleeper, and was satisfied that he could be dispatched 
without noise or danger. The room was so dark 
that he could not see the reception awaiting him — 
Pizarro lying between him and the intended victim, 
with his eyes intently fixed upon his every move- 
ment, and with every nerve ready for the struggle. 

Satisfied that his success was certain, the assassin 
crept swiftly and stealthily towards the bed, knife in 
hand, and poised his weapon for the fatal blow, with 
his eyes fixed upon the outlines of Pizarro’s motion- 
less figure. At that same moment the Spaniard 
sprang up and seized the murderer's hand in a 
grip like that of a vise, and wrested the knife from 
him. With a yell of surprise and consternation, the 
baffied villain turned to retrace his steps, but 
received several severe wounds before he could 
break away from his captor and make his way 
through the window. 

What in heaven's name is this !" exclaimed 


T42 


The Diamond Seeker. 


Bertram, as he started up out of his sound sleep and 
looked wildly around. 

Pizarro explained, at the same time assuring him- 
self that the baffled assassin had passed beyond 
sight and hearing. 

I will now close the windows,** he said, in con- 
clusion, and endeavor to take a nap with you. I 
dare say the prowling thief has received too severe a 
lesson to have any idea of returning !** 

The remainder of the night was passed without 
incident, and early in the morning Pizarro started 
for the wilderness, according to the resolution he 
had formed, declaring that he should make his head- 
quarters at Dos Rios in his absence. 

In the meantime, the wounded assassin had 
reached his home, where the overseer of Dos Montes 
was waiting to hear the result of his interested 
suggestions. Seeing that his tool was in a critical 
condition, he induced him, in the course of the fol- 
lowing afternoon, to make a declaration that he had 
been assaulted and wounded by Bertram Bavaro. 
After a few hints from the overseer, a justice was 
sent for, and the declaration of the dying man 
reduced to writing, in official form, and sworn to as 
being the whole truth. The assassin declared, in 
substance, that he had met Bavaro in the way, and 
bantered him a little about his relations to Nona 
Dos Montes, whereupon he had become enraged and 
made the fatal assault upon him. This horrible lie 
having been duly placed upon record and authenti- 


Bavaro, 


143 


cated, the wretch, unexpectedly to himself, at least, 
fell into convulsions, and died in a few minutes. As 
a consequence, Bavaro was arrested soon after and 
flung into prison. 

“ Capital ! capital !*' exclaimed Senor Dos Montes, 
when he was informed of the fact. “ That young 
man is not what he used to be, and I have long had 
my doubts about him. Now that he is effectually 
out of the way, all will go well if I can only find my 
runaway daughter !'* 

It was at this instant that the false Count de Paos 
came to pay him a visit. 

I told you all would be well,'* was his complacent 
greeting, and you will now see that I was a true 
prophet ! I have discovered the exact spot where 
your daughter is hiding !" 

Is it possible !" exclaimed Dos Montes, with the 
most intense delight. “ Where is she ?" 

“ With an unfortunate woman of the humbler class 
— ah, now that I remember, a creature I have heard 
reported as insane. This charge against that 
returned diamond seeker will rid us of him, and we 
can put our hands upon Nona at any moment !’* 



CHAPTER XVI. 

PIZARRO. 

It was with a serious purpose that Jose Pizarro 
again turned his face towards the wilderness of the 
upper Parahiba. The more he had reflected upon 
the mysterious interview he had had with Berta de 
Paos, the more deeply had his feelings been enlisted 
in her favor. Returning on the cars to Valenca, he 
went direct to Dos Rios, and in this latter place 
provided himself with a couple of stout mules, a 
broad-shouldered muleteer, provisions enough to 
last him and his man a week, arms and ammunition, 
and various other articles necessary to his proposed 
expedition. 

The boat he and Bavaro had hired of the inn- 
keeper's friend was safe, and he had no difficulty in 
finding a man to take it up to the vicinity of the 
islands where he had encountered Berta. Pizarro 
was too sagacious to betray to his friend the pur- 
pose which occupied his thoughts, and also too 
crafty, on the other hand, to make any movement 
which could possibly be interpreted by the keepers 


Ptzarrd. 


145 


of Berta, if reported to them as a menace against 
them. Proceeding with due caution and secresy, in 
all his plans, he found himself, on the third day after 
leaving our hero, comfortably settled in the heart of 
an unfrequented and almost impenetrable wilder- 
ness, within two miles of the spot where he met Berta. 

Thus prepared for business, the Spaniard was not 
long in getting to work. The first nart of his task 
was to find the building in which the Count and his 
daughter were confined, and in this step he was 
completely successful, after a few hours of careful 
reconnoitering. It stood on a little knoll, a quarter 
of a mile from the shore on which his interview 
with the fair captive had taken place. It was a 
small structure, a story and a half high, built of wood, 
and having nothing to distinguish it from the gen- 
erality of houses in the provinces, except that the 
low and narrow windows were guarded by massive 
grates of iron. 

So that is the poor girPs prison,'* was the 
comment of Pizarro, a view of it exciting all the 
chivalry of his nature. All silent around it — no 
sign of life visible — truly its appearance is a full 
confirmation of her sad story !*' 

The place of Berta's imprisonment having been 
found, it remained for Pizarro to find some means 
of communicating with her, provided she was still 
there. In the hope of seeing her he passed nearly 
all the afternoon in the vicinity, hiding in the woods 
immediately around her prison, but he was disap- 


146 


The Diamond Seeker. 


pointed. Once or twice he saw a rough-looking 
man going to a neighboring spring and returning, 
and attending to a couple of horses in a shed back 
of the house, but not a sign was discovered. 

‘‘ It must be that her escape and her interview 
with me the other night have aroused the utmost 
vigilance of her jailors,’* he said, in tones of mingled 
indignation and sorrow. “ Perhaps she is at this 
moment kept in close confinement ! The night 
shall not pass,” he added, with additional energy, 
‘‘until I know just how the case stands !” 

The presence of the man he had seen indicated 
that the prisoners were still there, and not carried 
farther into the wilderness, and this circumstance 
was a satisfaction and encouragement to him. 

As soon as the shadows of twilight commenced 
descending upon the scene, the watcher commenced 
creeping towards the house. He was soon suffi 
ciently near to hear the voices of the men inside, 
and to see one of them occasionally moving about 
near the door, and once he even felt assured that he 
heard the tones of Berta remonstrating with the 
ruffians. As the darkness grew more and more 
intense, he crept nearer and nearer to the building, 
and at length secreted himself in a clump of flower- 
ing shrubs within a couple of rods of the house. 

Here he had a long and most anxious watch. 

He continued to hear the voices of the two over- 
seers of whom Berta had spoken, and at last beheld 
them come out of the door and seat themselves near 


Pzzarro, 


H7 


the steps, continuing the conversation in which they 
had before been engaged. 

I tell yon what it is, Gorro,** said one of them in 
a low tone, with the air of a man who has arrived at 
a final conclusion, I do not know whether these 
people are really insane or not, nor do I care. What 
I do know is that we get twice as much pay for tak- 
ing care of them as we could make in any other 
manner, and for that reason I am bound to continue 
their keeper a few years longer, to say the least.’' 

“Them’s my sentiments exactly,” responded his 
companion, “and that settles the whole matter. 
They merely waste their bteath, as we have often 
told them, by imploring us to release them !” 

The face of Pizarro flushed with indignation, as 
he listened to these words, and he made an involun- 
tary movement which nearly betrayed him. He 
saw that the two villains were pretty well satisfied 
that their prisoners were not insane, and felt, more 
urgently than ever, the necessity of instantly rescu- 
ing the Count and Berta from their horrible situa- 
tion. 

For half an hour the two men sat near the door- 
way, smoking and conversing, while the old negress 
Pizarro had seen was heard bustling about inside 
the house. At last they entered, closing and lock- 
ing the door, and soon after the rattling of manacles 
was heard, as if they were securing their prisoner 
for the night. Pizarro did not move or utter a word 
at all these indications of their cruelty, for he com- 


148 


The Diamond Seeker. 


prehended that all the force at his present command 
could not make a successful attack upon the strongly 
built structure and its ruffianly defenders. He 
clearly saw that patience and secresy must be his 
auxiliaries in the work before him. 

In the course of half an hour from the time of the 
entrance of the two men into the house, all became 
still within doors. 

They have retired for the night,” he thought — 
the two prisoners, the negress, and those two ruf- 
fians ! Now what can I do V 

He revolved this question in his mind, viewing 
the situation of affairs in every light. Waiting 
another half hour, during which all remained quiet 
around him, he crept up on his hands and knees to 
the entrance of the building, and placed his ear at 
the bottom of the door. 

He distinctly heard the sound of breathing, but 
all else was silent. 

A gratified expression passed over his face. 

He waited at least another half hour, watching 
and listening, and repeatedly passing around the 
building. By this time the full darkness of the 
night had come to his assistance. 

“ The time has now come for an exploration,” he 
thought, as he paused under the solitary window of 
the upper story. She spoke of having weakened 
one of the windows, and this must be the one. It is 
likely that she occupies this part of the building.” 

With these thoughts passing in his mind, he 


Pizarro, 


149 


looked around for the means of ascending to the 
window in question. He examined the little shed, 
where the horses were feeding, but saw nothing of 
a ladder, or anything else calculated to assist him. 

“ It is clear that I must climb up to that window,** 
he repeated to himself, as he again halted under it 
in a quandary, but how ?** 

He made another circuit of the building, and this 
time noticed a small wood-pile near it, the sight of 
which gave him relief. He speedily selected several 
stout poles, and bore them to the scene of opera- 
tions, embedding one end of each into the yielding 
soil, and leaning the other at different elevations 
against the house. Two or three times he made 
some noise in these movements, and, at length, he 
grew terribly anxious lest he should be discovered. 

Again he paused in his proceedings, listening 
intently, and summoning all his sagacity to the aid 
of the enterprise upon which he had entered. As 
all continued to remain still within the building, he 
loosened his knife and pistols in his belt, and com- 
menced his ascent on the poles to the window, pro- 
ceeding with all possible caution. They moved 
some under his weight, and the task was exceed- 
ingly difficult to effect in silence, but he finally 
reached the uppermost one, steadying himself 
thereon by leaning against the house ; and the next 
instant he secured a firm hold of one of the iron bars 
guarding the window, and raised his head to the 
level of the sash, standing erect. 


The Diamond Seeker. 




150 


Thus far his resolute proceedings had been favored, 
and he now breathed freer. 

All remained silent around him. 

Thank God was the unspoken thought which 
arose in his heart. This gives me new hope I” 

A moment later, as he bent his ear towards the 
room, the window inside of the bars being open, he 
distinctly heard the low and calm respiration of a 
sleeper. His heart thrilled with such delight at this 
discovery that he was momentarily unable to pro- 
ceei 



I 



CHAPTER XVIL 

BERTA. 

Until this moment the Spaniard had worked 
more in despair than in hope. He had even doubted 
whether Berta was in the house. But as that low 
and regular breathing reached his ears, through the 
open window, a flush of joy mantled his face, his 
hands trembled with eagerness, and his heart quick- 
ened its beating- to such an extent that he feared its 
throbs would betray him. 

He felt convinced that the sleeper was the object 
of his search. 

Having advanced so far in his enterprise, the next 
step was to attract Berta's attention without raising 
an alarm. The darkness was so intense in the build- 
ing that he could not see any object in the room, 
and he realized with sufficient vividness, how 
decidedly he was exposing himself to a deadly shot 
or thrust, if the keepers of Berta should chance to be 
apprised in any way of his presence. 

For several moments he clung to his precarious 



152 


The Diamond Seeker, 


support, trying to peer into the room, before he 
made up his mind how to proceed. He reflected 
that the negress he had seen was quite as likely to 
answer any whisper he might utter as Berta, and a 
simple reflection upon the great interests involved 
in his success or defeat was sufficient to retain him 
temporarily in the most thrilling suspense. 

What was his best course .? 

If he had canvassed the question under merely 
earthly considerations, he would have been at a loss 
how to decide it. He eventually remembered how 
clearly providential his meeting with Berta had 
been, and the remembrance gave him faith to hope 
that the same merciful power was still directing his 
actions. Attaining a conviction that he would be 
successful if he proceeded with caution, he placed 
his face close to the iron bars and softly called : 

‘‘ Berta !’* 

There was a quick — almost convulsive — rustling 
of garments within the room, and the regular 
breathing he had heard was suspended, a strange 
and oppressive silence succeeding. He felt assured 
that the sleeper had suddenly awakened, and was 
holding her breath in the intensity of the hopes 
with which she was listening for a repetition of the 
name. 

“ I must take the chances,'' thought Pizarro. It 
is clear that my presence here is known." 

Acting upon the conviction, he again called : 

‘‘Berta! Berta!" 


Berta. 


153 


Aorain a slight rustling sound reached the ears of 
Pizarro, as if the late sleeper were arising, and then 
all was as still as the grave. In the hope that the 
poor captive had really heard her name uttered, and 
that she was now listening for further developments 
— unable to decide whether she had really heard the 
call or conceived that she heard it — he again pressed 
his face against the cold bars and whispered : 

It is your friend, Berta ! This way, to the 
window !*' 

The very silence which succeeded this announce- 
ment told Pizarro that Berta had heard him. He 
comprehended that she sat just before him, with* 
her hand clasped to her heart, her breathing nearly 
suspended, and her whole soul convulsed by the wild 
hopes which that whisper had aroused. 

At last, when it seemed to Pizarro as if an age 
had passed, a small white hand was thrust between 
the bars and convulsively grasped his arm. 

I am here,*’ she said, in a choking sort of whisper 
that almost died away on her lips — Oh, God of 
mercy ! I am here !” 

Pizarro extended his unemployed hand towards 
her between the bars, and, as she knelt beside the 
window, she pressed it to her cheek, bathing it with 
tears. 

Oh, you have come !” she finally murmured, and 
then there was another pause, she being unable to 
say more. 


154 


The Diamond Seeker, 


‘‘Yes, I am here to save you,” the Spaniard 
responded. “ Where is that negress ?” 

“ Lying at the door of this room, not ten feet from 
me, asleep.” 

“ On the inside ?” 

“ No, on the outside.” 

“ Will she hear us ?” 

“ Perhaps not — I trust not, if we are cautious. 
The door is between us, and I think there is no 
question about her being asleep.” 

“ Good. How have you been since I saw you ? 
and how is your father ?” 

“ We have been terribly treated since I saw you,” 
was her reply. “ The overseers were angry 
because I effected my escape and communicated with 
a stranger, and I have not left the house since. As 
to my poor father, he has been loaded more heavily 
with chains than ever !” 

Pizarro was excited beyond measure by these 
revelations. 

“ But I have not been hopeless,” Berta continued, 
with a firmer tone than she had heretofore used. 
“ I have had faith in your promise of assistance, and 
have been sleeplessly awaiting you during the past 
two nights. I was merely in a doze, owing to utter 
exhaustion, at the moment of your coming.” 

The grand faith Berta had reposed in him touched 
him, and he replied : 

“ I am ready to lay down my life in your service. 


Berta. 


155 


I have thought of you continually since our strange 
meeting/' 

“ And I have thought daily and hourly of you. I 
told my father all the circumstances of our inter- 
view, and, as he knew your father by his honorable 
reputation, he has regarded my meeting with you 
as a mark of divine favor, and it has been his chief 
consolation ever since. Oh, if you could aid us to 
regain our liberty, he would bless you forever, as I 
do." 

“ I will do anything in my power. Are your jail- 
ors asleep at this moment ?" 

Yes. They sleep soundly as a general thing, so 
strongly is my father ironed and so great their con- 
sequent assurance of his safety. But they are 
armed with knives and pistols, and have sworn that 
they will kill him if an attempt is made to rescue 
him." 

“ The villains ! If I can once gain their presence, 
placing myself between them and the Count, I will 
teach them a lesson. Have you thought of any plan 
of effecting a rescue ?" 

‘‘ Yes, of a great many. This is the window from 
which I escaped the night I saw you. I loosened 
two of these bars in the masonry at the bottom, so 
that I could turn them aside and pass through. 
Our cruel jailors have repaired the damage, and 
have watched me more closely than before, so that 
I have had no opportunity of making further efforts 
for our freedom." 


156 


The Diamond Seeker, 


“ These bars, then, are as strong as ever ?’* ques- 
tioned Pizarro, endeavoring to shake them. 

“ Yes — that is to say, they appear to be ; but the 
places they repaired must be weaker than they were 
before, and I think the bars might be pried apart, 
or even broken, if we could get at them with a 
lever.** 

“ I suppose one of your jailors has the key of the 
door in his pocket, so that we cannot think of 
entrance in that quarter. Let me see,** and he run 
his hand over the grates, noting their size. The 
bottom of these bars are imbedded in brick and 
mortar ?** 

“ Yes, yes. The house was built in some haste, 
and with rather scanty resources, so that these 
grates were not so firmly fixed in the wall as they 
would have otherwise been.** 

‘‘ All this is in our favor. I think I can spring the 
bars apart, and possibly loosen them in the wall, at 
the bottom, with a stout piece of wood. Wait a 
moment, and see if any of your enemies are stirring, 
while I go for the lever.** 

He slipped down to the ground and hurried away 
to the wood-pile in silence, selecting such a piece of 
wood as he wanted. He was soon back at the win- 
dow. 

“ It*s fortunate for us that it is not a regular 
prison,** he whispered. There are no cross bars ; 
all run in one direction.** 

I have listened at the door,** rejoined Berta, 


Berta. 


157 


“ and they all appear asleep. But we must be cau- 
tious — as secret as the grave.’* 

Pizarro placed the piece of wood'between two of 
the bars, near the sill, and then whispered : 

‘‘ Kneel before the window, Berta, and hold your 
apron in front of the masonry where the bars enter 
it, so that, if we should break it up, the fragments 
will not rattle upon the floor.** 

Berta did as he desired, and then, with the exercise 
of all his strength, Pizarro endeavored to spring the 
bars apart. At the second or third trial one of them 
gave way, and the loosened brick and mortar rat- 
tled into Berta*s apron, and even upon the floor. 

“ Hush !** she whispered, in an agony of alarm 
lest the noise had been heard by the negress or the 
overseers. “ If discovered, we are lost !** 

They waited in silence during a brief interval, 
while Pizarro felt of the wall and the bars, in order 
to form some idea of the results of his efforts. 

‘‘ With one more of them loosened,** he whispered 
with increased hope, “ T shall be able to effect an 
entrance.** 

He was too anxious and excited to make any 
unnecessary delay. Applying himself to the task, 
he speedily triumphed, loosening another one of the 
bars, and so making an aperture large enough to 
admit him. When he and Berta had realized this 
success, they could hardly realize their joy. 

“ You can now enter ?** 

“Yes, heaven be praised !’* 


158 


The Diamond Seeker, 


It required his utmost strength and ability to draw 
himself up to the narrow aperture and to squeeze 
himself through it, but he soon stood beside Berta. 

It is now life against life,*' he whispered, and 
we will not die without a struggle.” 

Berta's heart felt a thrill of hope it had not known 
for years as she marked the determination expressed 
in his voice. 

‘‘ How shall we proceed ?'' she asked. “ My father 
is heavily loaded with irons, and could not be moved 
without a great noise. On the other hand, as cruelly 
as they have treated us, we cannot creep up beside 
them and kill them in their sleep.'' 

No, Berta. I have no wish to kill them — only to 
conquer. Do you ever visit the Count at night, to 
soothe and console him when he is wakeful ? Does 
he ever come up here to see you ?'' 

Berta started at these inquiries, and could hardly 
control the feelings of relief which came over her. 

“Yes, we often visit each other, at all hours,'' she 
replied. “ I think I could call him up here now, in 
a moment, as he is not so manacled but that he can 
take short steps.” 

“ Then that is our best course,” replied Pizarro. 
“ Our first measure is to get him with us.” 

“Yes, yes,” rejoined Berta. “They will all be 
waked up by his movements, and will remain on 
watch till he returns, if they do not follow him ; but 
at least we can have him with us, and all die 
together, if death is to be our portion.” 


Berta. 


159 


She opened the door leading below, and stepped 
to the head of the stairs, exclaiming, in moaning 
accents : 

“ Oh ! cannot you come up a few moments, father ? 
I am in the greatest of agony/' 

Are you sick, girl T asked one of the overseers, 
awakening at the sound of her voice. 

“Yes, deathly sick," and her anxiety left her so 
faint that she leaned against the wall for support. 

Oh ! father " 

She heard the clank of the nobleman’s chains, as 
he arose to come to her, and she listened to learn if 
he would be prevented from coming. 

“ Don’t you be up there half a minute," said the 
ruffian who had before spoken, “ or I will be after 
you." 

A moment of the most terrible suspense followed, 
to both Berta and Pizarro, as they heard the clank- 
ing of the Count’s chains, from step to step, as he 
made his way up the stairs as fast as his manacles 
would permit. 

“ What is the matter, my child ?’’ he demanded, in 
a hollow voice, which needed not its present intona- 
tion of alarm to attest the terrible anguish he suf- 
fered. “ Are you ill ?" 

The next instant, as he passed through the door of 
the chamber, Berta seized his hand, giving it a 
warning pressure, and closed the door between him 
and his keepers. 

“ The friend is here of whom I told you," she 
whispered. “ He has come to save us." 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE COUNT DE PAOS. 

A thrill of pleasure shot through the heart of Jose 
Pizarro, as Berta placed his hand in that of her 
father. The long pent up sobs which burst from 
the girl, the wild hopes which suddenly flashed 
through the nobleman's mind, and the resolve of 
Pizarro to restore his new friends to their lost sphere, 
all made up a meeting of the most thrilling descrip- 
tion. 

We have loosened the bars of the window,” 
whispered Berta, “ and can make our escape (” 

The Count had too little strength to bear the 
unexpected revelation with calmness, and he would 
have fallen to the floor if Pizarro had not assisted 
him to a seat. 

Yes, we have taken some steps towards your 
release. Count,” said Pizarro, “and those scoundrels 
shall never regain possession of you while I am 
living.” 



The Count De Paos, 


161 


Oil, thanks, thanks was all the overjoyed 
prisoner could say. 

“ What will those fellows do if we remain quiet 
here a few moments ?'* asked Pizarro. I wonder if 
we cannot surprise them T* 

I think they will soon be up after me,*' said the 
Count. They will not let me be out of their sight 
a moment !" 

He had scarcely uttered the words before the 
voice of the overseer was heard calling upon the 
prisoner to return. 

“ Come back this instant !” he shouted, ‘‘ or it 
will be the worse for you !" 

“ Make no reply," whispered Pizarro. Remain 
seated where you are. Count. Berta, you remain 
here," and he placed her beside her father. Now, 
then," and he took up his station at the door, “ we 
are ready for the promised visit !" 

He opened the door cautiously and peered down 
the stairs. The negress was heard in low and 
earnest consultation with the overseers, and the 
rescuer very readily comprehended that they had a 
suspicion that something unusual was going on. A 
moment later, one of the men struck a light, and 
approached the stairs, half-dressed and cursing at a 
terrible rate. 

In utter silence, with an assuring pressure of the 
Count's hand, Pizarro placed himself in waiting 
behind the door. 

“ What are you about • up here ?" demanded the 


i 62 


The Dia^nond Seeker. 


ruffian, as he burst into the room, light in hand, and 
paused in front of father and daughter, while his 
bloodshot eyes and inflamed visage looked unuttera- 
ble menaces. Did I not tell you to come back ? 
You shall suffer — 

He paused abruptly, and an instant change came 
over his blustering and brutal manner. Pizarro had 
closed the door between the villain and his associ- 
ates, and now stood with his back against it, pointing 
a pistol at the intruder’s head. 

“ Dare to move or utter a word,” he said, in a calm 
voice, and I will stretch you dead upon the floor ! 
It is madness for one to resist a dozen ! Sur- 
render !” 

The villain glared upon him with the air of a 
trapped tiger, and then cast a rapid glance around 
the room. 

^‘Surrender, eh?” he muttered as he measured 
the slight figure of Pizarro. I think my freedom 
too valuable to be given up without a struggle !” 

“Very well,” replied Pizarro, with a cool smile, 
“ let me see you struggle !” 

He advanced a step nearer to the overseer, with 
an expression on his manly face which showed that 
he would fire at the slightest word or movement ; 
the ruffian’s air of dogged defiance soon gave place 
to consternation and terror, and he said : 

“ Enough, Senor, I surrender !” 

“ Lie down, then !” 

The man made a movement as if intending to 


The Count De Paos, 


163 


drop the lamp he carried, but Pizarro gave him such 
a look, still covering him with his pistol, that he did 
not dare to do so. 

‘‘ Now Count, if you will hold the light,'' said the 
rescuer, passing it to him, I will soon place it out 
of this man's power to do us any harm !" 

He removed the ruffian's knives and pistols, and 
bound him hand and foot in the most thorough 
manner, with some cords furnished him by Berta. 
Once assured that his dreaded enemy was subdued, 
the Count said : 

‘‘ This is the man who usually keeps the keys of 
my irons. Perhaps he now has them in his posses- 
sion !*' 

“ No, no, I swear to you I haven't them," the pris- 
oner responded, as he inclined his ear towards the 
stairway. You can search my pockets " 

‘‘ That is just* what I intend to do," interrupted 
Pizarro, suiting the action to the words, “ I think 
less of your word, in such a case as this, than of 
the evidence of my own senses !" 

The Count waited with the deepest anxiety, and 
nearly fainted from an excess of joyful emotions, 
when Pizarro held up to his view a number of keys. 

“Yes, yes, you have them," he murmured. 
“ Thank God for this mercy ! My limbs will now be 
freed from their shackles !" 

It was a solemn and exciting moment to Pizarro 
and the late prisoners, as they devoted their atten- 
tion to the removal of the chains. The years those 


164 


The Diamond Seeker. 


irons had worn into the body and soul of the victim ; 
the cruelties and hardships both he and Berta had 
endured ; and the possible happiness to which they 
might yet attain, if they could only complete the 
work of liberation ; all held them in breathless anx- 
iety and suspense. 

“ These are evidently the keys,'' said Pizarro, 
‘‘ but I confess I am not familiar with their opera- 
tion. You will have to show me. Count, how to 
unlock your fetters !*' 

‘‘ I will," said Berta, with trembling eagerness. 
“ I have often watched, with unutterable agony, the 
process of putting on the heaviest ones — those on 
his feet !" ' * 

While the trio were employed in the task, the bound 
and helpless overseer again turned his ear toward 
the door, as if he had heard something that gratified 
him. In fact, a look of pleasant surprise swept 
over his dark visage. Continuing to watch every 
movement of Pizarro and the Count, he kept his 
attention fixed upon the door, as if assured that 
relief might suddenly come to him from that 
quarter. 

Let me try it," said Berta, seeing that Pizarro 
did not make very rapid progress. ‘‘ Besides, you 
may as well keep an eye on our foes." 

At the very instant Pizarro relinquished the keys 
to Berta, and arose to his feet, the door leading 
below was opened an inch or two, and the associate 
of the prostrate overseer peered into the room. 


The Count De Paos, 


165 


The thoughts and glances of the trio were so much 
absorbed in the work before them that they did not 
notice this stealthy reconnoisance. 

“ Now is your time/' said the captured overseer 
looking directly at Pizarro, but intending his words 
for his companion. “ One bold effort is sufficient !" 

As Pizarro again fixed his eyes upon the opera- 
tion of Berta, the chamber door was opened wide 
enough to admit the second ruffian. At the same 
instant the shackles fell from the feet of the Count 
de Paos, and a mutual exclamation of delight fol- 
lowed. 

“One moment more," whispered Berta, almost 
wild with her emotions. “ The hands — the hands !" 
■ She applied all her energies to the task, and the 
next instant the manacles fell from the hands and 
arms of her father. 

He was free ! 

“ Oh, my father, my father !" whispered the glad 
girl, as she threw herself into his arms. “We are 
saved ! We can now make our escape !" 

There was a sudden and heavy footstep, a savage 
yell of defiance, and the captured overseer was 
dragged out of the room in an instant. His com- 
panion had taken advantage of that exciting 
moment, when the attention of the trio was occupied 
with the Count's release, to rush forward and seize 
the prostrate ruffian by the collar, dragging him 
away. This movement had been so suddenly exe- 
cuted that Pizarro was not able to prevent it. 


The Diamond Seeker, 


1 66 


“ Ha, ha ! all is not yet lost the overseer 
exclaimed to his fellow, as he hurried him down the 
stairs. ‘‘ I have taken a sly look around the house, 
and there is only one man concerned in this 
rescue 

“Only one r cried the disgusted ruffian, as the 
old negress danced around him in a perfect frenzy of 
excitement. “ Untie me as quickly as possible, and 
we may yet set all to rights 



J 



CHAPTER XIX. 

A VISIT TO BAVARO. 

The young diamond seeker sat on a rude stone 
bench in the little cell in the prison to which he had 
been conveyed immediately after his arrest the 
evening previous. He had evidently passed the 
night in sleepless thought, but there was no fear 
expressed in his noble face and calm and courageous 
manner. He thought not of his own danger even 
though he knew the probable fate awaiting him^ 
but he sorrowed because the blow would fall so 
heavily upon his gentle Nona. 

As he confronted the grating of his door, he 
noticed a faint light which every moment grew 
more distinct. The stout iron bars which formed 
the grating of the door were plainly outlined, and 
at length the ' prisoner heard sounds of voices and 
footsteps. 

‘‘ Can they be coming here V* he thought. “ I 
have already had my morning meal. My trial can- 


The Diamond Seeker. 


1 68 


not take place under two weeks, the officer said ; so 
I shall not probably be moved to-day.*' 

The footsteps now paused outside the cell of 
Bavaro, and a voice called his name. The light held 
by the turnkey revealed to the prisoner a couple of 
men who had paused at the door of his dungeon, 
and one of whom he instantly recognized as the 
turnkey. 

‘‘ The Count de Paos, the Secretary of his Maj- 
esty,” announced the official, bowing to the count 
Avith great deference, and giving place to him. 

Bavaro started at the announcement, and fixed a 
curious gaze upon the visitor, remembering the 
story of Berta de Paos, Mrs. Vallos, and all that he 
had learned respecting the strange mystery of the 
false count. Hardly knowing what to think or say, 
he advanced to the grating, greeting the unexpected 
visitor courteously, though vrfth dignified reserve, 
and inquired his plea^sure. 

The false Count de Paos fiashed upon the prisoner 
an evil glance, and replied, with his customary 
suavity : 

‘‘I am sorry to see you here, Senor Bavaro, 
accused of such a crime as the one for which you 
are indicted.” 

Bavaro bowed coldly, but gave no other notice of 
this speech. 

But I am happy,” resumed the secretary, ‘‘ In 
being the bearer of good news to you. Your father, 
it seems, rendered a service to the State in the time 


A Vzszt to Bavaro. 


169 


of our Regent’s revolutionary troubles, and, in con- 
sideration of that service, I am empowered to offer 
you a pardon and your freedom, with the condition 
that you leave Brazil. A guard of soldiers is wait- 
ing to escort you to a ship which lies in the bay, and 
which will leave these shores in an hour. Should 
you ever return to Brazil, this same charge will be 
hanging over you and you will be prosecuted. I need 
not tell you that the certain punishment for your 
crime is death.” 

“ How does it happen,” asked Bavaro, quietly, 
“that I am offered a pardon, before I am con- 
demned, or even found guilty T 

“ To be frank with you,” replied the false count, 
“ I have represented to his Majesty that you are 
probably innocent, and the victim of a conspiracy ; 
that this innocence, however, cannot be established ; 
and that it will be wise and just, at my request and 
as a personal favor, to allow you to escape — the act 
will be officially designated by that name — so as to 
save the scandal and expense of your trial.” 

He might have added that he had also represented 
to his Majesty that Bavaro was a dangerous and 
seditious person, and that he was undoubtedly in 
league with the revolutionists, as he had come home 
with a vast quantity of gold and diamonds, obtained 
nobody knew how. 

The false count paused for a reply. Bavaro had 
listened quietly, without betraying any emotion, but 
he now answered proudly ; 


170 


The Diamond Seeker. 


‘‘I decline your offer, Senor. I prefer to die 
innocent of the crime with which I am charged 
than to flee like a guilty man/* 

Don*t be a fool,** exclaimed the secretary, when 
he had recovered from his astonishment at this 
resolve. ‘‘ In another country you might be honored 
and respected. You had better go.** 

‘‘ Say no more,** interrupted Bavaro, with dignity. 
‘‘ I have given you my answer. Good morning.** 
The false Count de Paos bit his lip with vexation, 
and half turned to go, but finally said, in a hissing 
tone : 

“ Die, then, fool ! Your blood be on your own 
head.** 

With these words the secretary withdrew, fol- 
lowed by the turnkey, and Bavaro was again left to 
the gloom and solitude of his wretched dungeon. 
Reviewing all the facts which had led to his impris- 
onment, Bavaro was not long in arriving at a just 
conclusion. He perceived that his rival would nat- 
urally desire his absence and disgrace, but he knew 
that Nona would remain true and faithful to him, 
and would not entertain a momentary thought of 
his guilt. But as he imagined the persecutions to 
which her father might subject her in endeavoring 
to force her to marry his rival when he himself 
should be laid in a felon*s grave, he wept becaiise 
of his inability to shield or protect her. In anguish 
of heart he paced his narrow cell hour after hour, 


A Visit to Bavaro. 171 


revolving in his mind one plan after another to com- 
fort Nona and save himself. 

The hours thus wore on and afternoon deepened. 
His solitude was broken at last by the unlocking of 
his door and the entrance of a monk, closely followed 
by the turnkey, who placed a lantern on the floor 
and then withdrew. 

I will come back in half an hour,” said the jailor, 
addressing the priest, while he closed and locked 
the door on the outside. 

‘‘Well, my son,” said the visitor, turning to Ber- 
tram, “ you are accused of the greatest crime a man 
can commit — that of depriving a fellow-being of 
life. I am come to offer myself as your spiritual 
adviser and receive your confession.” 

“ I have no confession to make,” replied Bavaro. 
“ Nevertheless, sit down, good padre. This dun- 
geon is very lonely, and your company for half an 
hour would please me.” 

The priest seated himself on the stone bench and 
the prisoner w'alked slowly to and fro. 

“ I am sorry,” said the padre, “ to see that your 
manner does not evince the slightest penitence for 
your crme ” 

“ I am innocent — as innocent as the unborn child 
— of the crime of murder,” said Bavaro, earnestly. 
“ I am in an unfortunate situation to prove my 
assertions true ! There has been some sort of con- 
spiracy against me. The man attempted to kill me, 
and my friend who was with me wounded him. 


The Diamond Seeker. 


T 72 


The statement of the villain on the day he died was 
a base fabrication !” 

“ Can it be possible T ejaculated the priest “ Even 
if your words are true, you will have difficulty in 
proving them. Where is this friend? Why is he 
not on hand to deliver his testimony and save you 
from death ?" 

Bavaro started. He had not thought before that 
his friend's testimony could save him from his 
threatened fate, or else had seen no way of commun- 
icating with Pizarro, but now a thrill of hope 
quickened the beatings of his heart, and he said : 

“ My friend has gone up the Parahiba. If I had 
only some one whom I could send — some one I 
could rely on — to go for him, I should be saved !” 

The priest looked thoughtful a moment, and then 
asked : 

‘‘ Have you no friend, my son, no one whom you 
could trust to go upon this errand ?" 

“ No one," replied Bavaro. It is a difficult jour- 
ney and abounds with perils of every kind, and 
requires an adventurous spirit and a courageous 
heart Besides, many of my friends will shrink 
from me while I am under this accusation," he 
added bitterly. 

‘‘At least one of your friends has not deserted 
you in your trouble," remarked the good priest, as 
he took from his pocket a letter and handed it to our 
hero. “ My little friend, Nona Dos Montes, has per- 
suaded me to bring you that message, though sorely 


A Visit to Bavaro. 


173 


against my better judgment. I think, Senor, you 
will find her true and faithful to you !'* 

Bertram eagerly seized the letter and hastened 
with it to the lantern. It expressed the deepest and 
most tender devotion, imploring him to tell her 
what she could do to save him, and entreating him 
to be hopeful, for that all would yet be well. 

I “Sweet comforter,” murmured Bavaro, pressing 
the letter to his lips, while his eyes glistened with 
tears. 

“Yes,” said the priest, “her youth and beauty 
moved me to become her messenger, for I have 
always loved the child despite the heresies taught 
her by her English mother. But I am to take an 
answer.” 

“ I have no materials for writing,” said Bertram, 
as he felt in his pockets for a pencil. 

“ I have,” returned the monk, as he drew a pencil 
and paper from his pocket. 

Bavaro thanked the good, priest warmly as he 
availed himself of the precious articles, and began 
his answer to Nona’s letter. He thanked her in 
lover-like terms for her devotion, and told her if she 
could send up among the mountains, a half week’s 
journey from Petropolis, he would be saved and all 
would be well. He enclosed a chart of the route to 
be taken, and marked the spot where she would 
probably find his friend,, and earnestly begged her 
to send a trusty messenger immediately, as his trial 
would take place within a fortnight. 


174 


The Diamond Seeker, 


She shall have the letter within the hour,*' said 
the priest, placing it in his bosom. ‘‘ I hope, Senor, 
if you are innocent, and your face would seem to 
prove it despite the affidavit of Montero that you 
shot him, that you will regain your freedom. You 
have my best wishes for your welfare.*' 

‘‘Thank you, good padre,** said Bavaro, as he 
extended his hand to his visitor. “You have been 
the means of making my imprisonment less lonely.** 
The good priest endeavored to draw out our hero 
on the subject of his alleged crime, but Bertram 
related the whole story with unvarying truth, and 
left the impression on his visitor's mind that he was 
innocent. 

“ I hope your innocence will be made apparent," 
said the padre, as he arose from his hard seat and 
stood beside the prisoner. “ You may depend upon 
Nona to send some one for your friend !** 

After a few further words of kind cheer the padre 
heard the returning steps of the turnkey, and 
abruptly changed his conversation, exhorting him 
to have patience and trust in God. 

“ Time's up," said the turnkey, as he unlocked the 
door and picked up the lantern. 

“ Farewell, my son," said the priest. “ I will see 
you again in a few days. Meanwhile keep up your 
spirits.*’ 

After his new friend's departure Bertram gave 
himself up to thought. His heart was filled with 
hope when he remembered the courage expressed 


A Vzszt to Bavaro, 


175 


by Nona, and saw that she did not utterly despair. 
Although, when he remembered the dangers of a 
journey to the spot where his friend was probably 
staying, he feared Nona would be unable to procure 
a reliable messenger, yet he encouraged himself to 
hope that all would yet be well. His thoughts 
reverted to his strange visit from the emperor’s sec- 
retary, and he recalled the adventure of Pizarro in 
the wilderness with the unfortunate Berta de Paos, 
and verified her story with the later narration of 
Mrs. Vallos. 

“ That man must be exposed and punished,” was 
his outspoken declaration. “ The true Count must 
be rescued and restored, Nona must be saved from 
her persecutions by this wretch and her father, 
Pizarro must be found, and I must be saved from 
my threatened doom. But how — how ?” 

These were the terrible problems which occupied 
his thoughts, as he paced to and fro in his dungeon. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Nona’s flight. 

The wife of Vallos and Nona Dos Montes had 
awaited with the utmost anxiety and impatience the 
return of the padre they had sent to Bertram in his 
prison. On his appearance with the note and chart, 
he made a few consoling observations about the 
young man’s bearing and evident innocence, and 
then took his departure. Nona read the note atten- 
tively, and was touched at his affectionate words, 
and somewhat astonished at his brief account of his 
late visit from the Count de Paos. 

‘‘ What does he say ?” asked Mrs. Vallos, who was 
quietly observing the changing expressions of Nona’s 
face. 

Nona read the few lines relating to the emperor’s 
secretary, and said : 

Bertram must be rescued. I see more plainly 
than before that the false Count will leave no means 
untried which will promise his rival’s death. Oh, 
what can I do ?” 


Nonas Flight, 


177 


Calming herself, Nona proceeded to finish read- 
ing her letter, and then remained thoughtful for 
some time, Mrs. Vallos refraining from breaking 
the silence. 

“ Bertram tells me that there is a hope of his 
escape — that there is a means by which he may be 
proved innocent,'" Nona finally observed, her face 
flushing with renewed hope. ‘‘ Oh, if I only knew 
of some faithful and reliable man whom I might 
trust on this mission." 

“ What mission ?" asked Mrs. Vallos. “We may 
be able to discover such a messenger as you 
require." 

“ At the time of his attack by Montero, he had a 
friend with him named Jose Pizarro, an honorable 
and good man, and this friend shielded him from 
the assassin besides fatally wounding Montero. 
Now, this friend must be found. His testimony will 
save Bertram's life." 

“And yours also," thought Mrs. Vallos, as she 
gazed sadly at our heroine's pale face and slight 
form, and noted the marks of care and anxiety 
about her forehead and mouth. “ This friend must 
be found," she added, aloud. 

“ Bertram requests me to send a reliable man 
immediately," resumed Nona. “ There are a thou- 
sand dangers on this voyage up the Parahiba from 
which many men would shrink. Who can I send ?" 

“ C^n you not think of some one you have bene- 


178 


The Diamond Seeker. 


fited ?’* suggested Mrs. Vallos, “ or some faithful 
slave of whose devotion you are sure V 

Nona reflected a moment with a perplexed 
expression on her countenance, but at length 
remarked : ^ 

“ There is a faithful house slave at home named 
Moro, who is remarkably attached to me, and who 
is brave, docile and affectionate. I might send him, 
but I do not believe he would be able to find the 
spot, even from this chart, and he might wander 
around up there for weeks without discovering the 
gentleman on whom Bertram's life depends. No, 
no, I must have some one who possesses intelligence 
as well as bravery." 

Again Nona was silent, and Mrs. Vallos mentally 
recalled the names of the very few persons with 
whom she was acquainted in Petropolis, but she 
could not think of one to whom such an important 
charge could be safely intrusted. 

“ He must not — shall not die !" cried Nona, des- 
pairingly. ‘‘ Bertram shall be saved, but how ?" 

It was the very question that Bavaro had asked 
himself as he wearily paced his dungeon floor. 

Suddenly a look of deep resolve rested upon the 
girl's face, and she said : 

“ I have decided, my dear friend. I have thought 
of a trusty messenger at last." 

‘‘ Indeed !" exclaimed Mrs. Vallos, her face bright- 
ening. “ Who is it ?" 

“Myself ! / will go for this Jos6 Pizarro, and I 


Nonas Flight, 


179 


know I will succeed. I will take my faithful Moro 
with me, and you, dear Mrs. Vallos, I know, will 
accompany me.” 

Mrs. Vallos looked startled for a moment. 

‘‘ Have you considered the danger ?” she finally 
asked. “ Have you thought of the wild beasts, 
deadly serpents and venomous reptiles that may 
assail us when we land to look for Senor Pizarro. 
You are a young and delicate girl, and unfit for such 
a journey.” 

Say no more,” said Nona, resolutely. “ I have con- 
sidered, all these things. W e must provide ourselves 
with fire-arms with which to defend ourselves in case 
of need and set out on our journey this very night.” 

Mrs. Vallos ceased to combat Nona’s resolution, 
and resolved to aid her to the utmost of her ability. 
They soon arranged their plans, Mrs. Vallos offering 
to go for the slave Moro immediately. They had 
scarcely concluded their arrangements when they 
heard the sound of wheels, and Nona, hastening to 
the window, beheld a carriage coming up the lane 
at a furious speed. 

“ It is my father,” she exclaimed, recognizing the 
equipage in the dim light of the early evening. “ I 
am discovered. 1 will not go home. What shall I 
do ?” 

Mrs. Vallos hastily caught up Nona’s cloak and 
hood and flung them over the girl’s shoulders, and 
said : 

Go out of the back door, dear, and conceal your- 


i8o 


The Diamond Seeker, 


self among the shrubbery, and do not come in until 
I call you/' 

The carriage stopped in front of the house as she 
concluded these words, and she had barely time 
enough to close the door after the retreating form 
of Nona and to take up her knitting, when there 
came a thundering knock on the door, which was 
immediately followed by the entrance of Senor Dos 
Montes. He glanced quickly around the room and 
exclaimed : 

I want my daughter immediately !” 

“ Your daughter !" ejaculated Mrs. Vallos, in 
well assumed astonishment. “ Where is she, and 
who is she ?” 

“My daughter, Nona Dos Montes,” said the 
planter, angrily. “ You must deliver her up to me 
instantly. Where is she 

“ Why do you come to me, Senor Dos Montes, for 
your daughter? Is she not at home in her own 
apartments ? Surely the daughter of the wealthy 
landholder has no cause to fly from her indulgent 
father !” replied Mrs. Vallos, with a quiet sarcasm 
that infuriated her visitor, 

“ Must I again repeat my demand ?” he cried, 
almost choking with his wrath, as he strode into the 
centre of the room. “ Nona, Nona !” he called, 
flinging open the door of the inner room, “ come 
out directly, or you will repent it to the last day of 
your life.” 

He opened closet doors in this inner room, poking 


Nona s Flight. 


i8i 


aside dresses with his cane, as if thinking his daugh- 
ter might be concealed there, while Mrs. Vallos 
stood by the picture of speechless indignation. 

I would like to know, sir,*' she exclaimed, finding 
voice at last, ‘‘ what right you have to enter a lady's 
bed-room in this manner ? Leave the room directly, 
sir !” 

Having satisfied himself that Nona was not con- 
cealed in any part of the room, Senor Dos Montes 
returned to the front room, and said : 

I know that my daughter is here, she was seen 
to come in this direction after leaving her home last 
night, and I demand her at your hands !" 

“ You have seen for yourself that your daughter is 
not concealed in my house," replied Mrs. Vallos. 
“ If you have ill-treated her, Senor, you have only 
yourself to blame. Why should such a high-bred 
lady seek refuge in a sewing-woman's humble 
house T 

Have you not seen her since last night ?" 
demanded Senor Dos Montes, savagely. Have you 
not harbored her to-day? Is she not in your house 
now ?" 

‘‘ She is not," replied Mrs. Vallos, promptly. “ and 
what is more, I don't know where she is ! I do 
know, however, that your conduct is most unworthy 
of a gentleman, and the sooner you leave my house 
the better !" 

As she concluded these words, Mrs. Vallos ©pened 
the door, while her visitor, almost convulsed with 


i 82 


The Diamond Seeker. 


rage, muttered divers threats as he passed out and 
entered his carriage. Mrs. Vallos smiled in a grati- 
fied manner, as she closed and locked the door and 
sat down to her knitting. 

‘‘ We have been too careless to-day,” she thought. 
“ Any one might have crept up and looked through 
the window, and seen us both ! I ought to have 
guarded against that, for, of course, Joas will try to 
discover me, now that 1 am dangerous to his welfare. 
We have escaped better than I feared. Evidently 
the old planter was not certain where his poor 
daughter was, and he is as uncertain now as ever !” 

At this moment she heard the crack of a whip, and 
the horses were started on their homeward way. 

“Well,” said Mrs. Vallos, rising and drawing the 
curtains, as the sound of the wheels died away, “ I 
will call in poor Nona, who I dare say is shivering 
among the bushes somewhere in the garden.” 

She proceeded to the back door, and called her 
young friend in a low and clear tone. She repeated her 
call several times before she received a reply, but at 
length Nona arose from the shrubbery at a little 
distance, and approached the house. 

“ It*s all right now, dear,” exclaimed Mrs. Vallos, 
in a low tone. “ Come in and we will complete our 
preparations !” 

They entered the little cottage together, Mrs. 
Vallos giving a detailed account of her late visita- 
tion. 

“We must be off directly,” she continued. “ I have 


Nonas Flight. 


183 


plenty of disguises which I have used in following 
J oas, and we can take our choice of them. I have 
plenty of money, counting that I took from my 
unworthy husband, and I see no difficulty in our 
way.” 

“ I have plenty of money, too, Mrs. Vallos,” said 
Nona, “ and I beg you to keep that you have in 
trust for the real Count de Paos. Besides, you are 
aware that I have with me all my own jewels and 
poor Bertram's diamonds !” 

Mrs. Vallos assented to Nona’s proposition, but 
placed a large package of bank notes in her pocket. 
She then went to a closet, and removed from one 
side the dresses which covered it, and opened a lit- 
tle door which had been entirely concealed. 

“ You see I might have hidden you in there, Nona, 
if I had not been so alarmed, and if there had been 
time !” she said, as she took out a variety of dis- 
guises. 

Nona chose a grey wig and the appurtenances 
belonging thereto, and was speedily arrayed as a 
respectable old lady. She put on her cloak and 
hood, while Mrs. Vallos donned a suitable disguise. 

“Well, we are ready,” exclaimed her hostess as 
she surveyed Nona. “ I should not know you, dear, 
if I hadn’t helped you disguise yourself.” 

She was about to close the closet-door, when both 
women heard the sound of footsteps outside the 
house, and the next moment there was a loud knock 
at the door. 


184 


The Diamond Seeker. 


O, heaven!” exclaimed Nona, “can my father 
have returned again ?” 

“I am afraid it is Joas !” murmured Mrs. Vallos, 
turning deathly pale. “ Lest it be your father, my 
dear, you must hide in the closet ! I will save 
youl” 

“ I cannot desert you,” said Nona, clinging to her 
friend. “ It may be your husband 1” 

“ Hush, Nona !” whispered Mrs. Vallos, as the 
knocking was resumed. “ I lost my self-possession 
for a moment, but now I see our way clearly ! Go 
into the inner closet and let me hang the dresses 
over it ! If it is your father we are safe ! If it is 
Joas, you must hasten on your journey, find Senor 
Pizarro, and return and rescue both Bertram and 
me ! Remember, and keep quiet !” 

With these words Mrs. Vallos, in her calmest 
manner, hastened the girl into the inner closet, and 
hung the dresses over the door. The knocking had 
now become uproarious, and a voice commanded 
her to open the door directly or it would be broken 
in. Hastily glancing around her to see that there 
was no trace of her guest, she advanced and opened 
the door, admitting a couple of officers of the law 
and her husband ! 

“ This is the woman,” said the false Count, in a 
voice so clear and cold that it penetrated to the 
niche where Nona was concealed, and caused her to 
shudder. “ She is disguised with an evident design 


Nona s Flight, 


185 


to escape, but I think you will find on her person or 
in this room the money I have lost !** 

‘‘ Her pocket looks pretty large/' remarked one of 
the officers, as he quickly clutched it, “ and here — 
here is a part of your missing money, I have no 
doubt,’* he added, extracting from her pocket the 
package of bank-notes. 

Mrs. Vallos looked absolutely stupefied, until her 
eyes met the triumphant and evil gaze of her hus- 
band. 

‘‘I admit,” she said, after the false Count had 
accurately described the money in the hands of 
the officer, “ I admit that the money belonged to the 
Count de Paos — ^but not this man ! . The wretch 
who stands there and dare accuse me of robbery is 
my husband, Joas Vallos, whom I married in Por- 
tugal. If it had been his money, I have a right to 
it, for he has done nothing toward my support for 
the last four years !” 

Her indignant remonstrance was met by a laugh 
on the part of the officers, and a sardonic smile by 
her husband. 

“ I hardly think you will get clear on such a plea 
as that, madam,” said one of the officers. “ The 
noble Count de Paos is too well known and too 
highly honored, for the words of a thief to affect his 
reputation !” 

“ I swear to you by all I hold sacred, that he is 
indeed my husband,” reiterated Mrs. Vallos. “ Joas, 
does not even your villainous heart reproach you for 


The Diamond Seeker. 


I 86 


your wickedness ? Was it not enough that you should 
shut me up in your wine-vault last night with the 
intention of starving me to death — 

“ Come, come, we’ve had enough of that !’* declared 
the officers, seizing Mrs. Vauos, each by the 
shoulder. 

“ There is still a quantity of gold and jewels miss- 
ing,” said the false Count, in a calm and even tone. 
** I think a search had better be made for them 
also !” 

A search was immediately instituted in the closets 
and through the apartments. Mrs. Vallos trembled 
as the officers searched the closet where Nona was 
concealed, and Nona herself trembled with fear at 
her peril. But the search was finally concluded by 
one of the officers discovering the gold and jewels in 
the front room. Her guilt was plainly apparent to 
the officers, and her story disbelieved. 

“I believe,” said the false Count, watching his 
wife’s face as he spoke, that a young lady who fled 
from her father’s house last night has been with this 
woman all day. Now where is she ?” 

Mrs. Vallos did not reply, nor could her husband 
form any conclusion from her stolid countenance 
whether his words had hit the truth or not 

“ The young lady’s whereabouts will soon be dis- 
covered,” he continued, in an unmoved tone, “ so, 
officers, do your duty !” 

Mrs. Vallos was conducted from her home to 
prison, while the false Count, with feelings of grati- 


Nonas Flight. r 8 7 


fied malice and anticipated revenge, hastened to his 
own house.' As soon as the house was silent, Nona 
stole from her hiding-place, where she had nearly 
suffocated for want of air, and hastened homewards. 
She succeeded in finding Moro and his wife, easily 
persuaded them to accompany her, and, in a few 
hours, she and her faithful servants were speeding 
by rail to Valenca, on their way to search for Jos6 
Pizarro. 




CHAPTER XXI. 

PIZ ARROWS TRIUMPH. 

The Count and Pizarro did not lose a moment in 
effecting their escape from the building which had 
so long been the former's living grave. Berta was 
first lowered through the window to the ground, not 
without many scratches and bruises, owing to the haste 
and the narrowness of the aperture ; and her father 
instantly followed. The entire party knew, from the 
sounds which came up from below, that they 
were not yet out of peril, and they accordingly pro- 
ceeded with all possible dispatch. Just as Pizarro 
was lowering himself from the window, the old 
negress rushed into the room he had vacated, crying 
in a loud voice : 

‘‘ They are gone ! they are gone !" 

An answering yell came from the ruffians below, 
as they rushed out of the house, in pursuit of the 
fugitives. Scarcely a moment elapsed before they 
came around the comer of the house, in full view of 
their late victims, but they shrunk back out of sight 




Pizarro's Triumph, 


189 


the instant they encountered the gaze of the levelled 
weapon of Pizarro. 

‘‘Go, Count," whispered the rescuer — “you and 
Berta. We must seek the shelter of the woods," 
and he indicated by a gesture the direction he wished 
them to take. “ I will remain here a brief instant to 
cover your retreat." 

The Count hastened to comply with these sugges- 
tion's. Availing himself of the arm pf his daughter, 
he proceeded at a slow pace towards the shelter indi- 
cated, while the old negress kept up her cries from 
the window. After a hasty consultation, the two 
overseers rushed forward, firing upon Pizarro in con- 
cert, and one of their bullets slightly wounded his 
arm. He replied to their fire without effect, and 
then, to prevent them from following the Count, he 
slowly retreated before them, while they were 
reloading their weapons. 

The Count and Berta soon gained the cover of the 
woods. 

“ After them," cried the negress, hurrying forth 
from the house, and joining in the pursuit with a 
noise that made up for any lack of effectiveness. 

A vivid consciousness of his peril came over Piz- 
arro, as the ruffians again closed in upon him, 
endeavoring to draw his fire while they retained 
their own, but he did not despair. Seeing that the 
nobleman and his daughter had temporarily avoided 
the pursuers, he darted away in nearly the same 


The Dtamofid Seeker. 


190 


direction, taking the risk of a couple of bullets sent 
after him. 

“At th,e least it is only two against one,'* he 
thought, as he reached the spot in the edge of the 
woods where the Count and Berta were secreted, 
and faced about. “ Let us surprise them !" 

“ Be careful, for my sake," whispered Berta, as he 
crouched in the bushes beside her and her father. 
“ If any harm befalls you, we are lost !" 

The thought of all the issues depending upon him 
nerved Pizarro with unusual coolness and strength. 

“ It would be sweet to die for you," he whispered 
in reply, caring far less for his personal perils than 
for the light of the dark eyes which beamed upon 
him. 

“ But sweeter, I hope, \.olive for me !" she instantly 
rejoined. “ Hush, they are coming !" 

All became as still as death in the little glade 
where the fugitives were concealed. The two over- 
seers, having received some additional weapons 
from the negress, advanced cautiously towards the 
edge of the woods, perfectly assured by the silence 
that their late victims were secreted in them. 

“ Come out, there !" exclaimed one of the ruffians, 
as he levelled a carbine within a point or two of the 
spot where the fugitives were sheltered. “ Come 
out, or I'll fire ! I see you !" 

The Count made an involuntary movement, to 
protect his daughter from the apparent aim of the 
weapon. 


Pizarrds T riumph. 


T91 


“ Say nothing,” whispered Pizarro. ‘‘ They can- 
not see ns in the darkness.” 

The ruffians were evidently nonplussed, and at a 
loss how to proceed. They held a low and hurried 
consultation, while the Count and his daughter, with 
their rescuer, remained perfectly silent. 

A twig snapped under Pizarro, and the two men 
again turned their eyes in that direction. 

“ Where was that ?” asked one. 

“ Let me have your carbine, and 111 show you,” 
replied the other. 

He took the weapon and pointed it towards the 
group and fired. The ball must have passed within 
a few inches of Pizarro’s head, for it whistled ter- 
ribly, scattering a shower of leaves in its rapid 
course, but even Berta remained as silent and 
motionless as ever. 

‘‘ Curse the luck !” ejaculated the ruffian who had 
fired. Load the piece, and we will try it again !” 

“ Tell me. Count,” whispered Pizarro, as his hand 
toyed nervously with a pistol he had drawn from 
his bosom, “ has the life of that man been forfeited 
by his conduct ?” 

“ Beyond all question.” 

Then I shall kill him !” 

He raised his weapon, at the very instant he 
uttered the words, and fired. The man leaped high 
into the air, with a single yell of agony, and fell 
dead at the feet of his companion. 


192 


The Diani 07 id Seeker. 


‘‘ Stay where you are, both of you,” Pizarro added, 
‘‘ and leave all to me !” 

He leaped from the bushes, crying : 

Now, boys, to surround the building and clear 
out the rest of the gang 1” 

The surviving overseer thought that his last 
moments had come, and turned to flee. 

Stop where you are !” was Pizarro’s command, 
as he followed. Stop, or you will go the way of 
your fellow !” 

As the ruffian saw that the pursuer was rapidly 
gaining upon him, he halted and surrendered, 
permitting himself to be entirely disarmed and 
bound. 

‘‘This way, Count,” Pizarro then cried. “We 
remain the masters of the field !” 

The joy with which the trio greeted and con- 
gratulated each other, beside their prostrate foe, 
was truly a foretaste of the coming compensation 
for all the nobleman and his daughter had suffered. 

“ I have a little retreat up here in the woods,” 
finally remarked Pizarro, “ not two miles off, and a 
couple of stout muleteers, to whom I was looking 
for assistance in this crisis. The truth is, I beer ms 
so interested, after entering upon your rescue, that 
I could not spare the time to go for their aid !” 

“ Well, we have triumphed without it,” rejoined 
the Count ; “ and believe me, Senor Pizarro, I shall 
never cease to be grateful to you for the servic 
you have rendered us !” 


Pizarrds Trhmiph, 


193 


Nor shall I/* added Berta, as she looked up into 
his face with an expression that thrilled him. 
“ Words are powerless to acknowledge your merits, 
or to express my sense of them and my gratitude !*’ 

Pizarro took her hand in his own, with a very 
lover-like pressure, and said : 

‘‘ My next task is to guide you out of this wilder- 
ness. I suppose, Count, you are most anxious to 
proceed to Petropolis, where that villainous usurper 
is residing in great state, and bring him to punish- 
ment.** 

“Yes ; we will not delay.** 

“ It is possible that he is in trouble by this time/* 
added Pizarro. “ I presented your petition to the 
emperor, through the mayor, and am hopeful in 
regard to the result.** 

It may not be amiss to remark here that the said 
petition had been handed over to the secretary by 
his majesty, with a score of other papers, for his 
official attention, so that all the effect it had was to 
surprise and warn the villain it was intended to 
expose. 

“We will proceed,** continued Pizarro, “to the 
river, where I have a boat concealed at no great 
distance above this estate. As to this man,** and he 
looked at the captured overseer, “ I will take him 
along and reserve him as a witness against your 
enemy.** 

In less than an hour Pizarro had summoned his 
muleteers, packed his baggage, mounted the count 


194 


The Diamond Seeker, 


and his daughter quite comfortably on his two 
mules, helped himself and his men to the animals 
lately in the care of the count's keepers, and set out, 
in the most jubilant mood, for the village of Dos 
Rios. It was observed by the count that the young 
people rode near each other, and that Pizarro was 
singularly solicitous for Berta's comfort and safety, 
and that her clouds and sorrows seemed to have 
already receded ages into the past ; and the count? 
too, became social and happy. 




CHAPTER XXII. 

NONA LOST AND FOUND. 

We must now say a few words about the fortunes 
of Nona. On reaching Valenca, she hired mules 
and proceeded to Dos Rios, accompanied by her 
faithful servants. On reaching that village, she 
found that Pizarro had stopped there on his way up 
the river, but was now gone. She remembered 
what Bertram had written about finding his friend 
among the mountains, and she also consulted the 
chart which he had sent her. On advising with the 
good landlady as to the best means of going to the 
mountains, she met with every species of discour- 
agement. 

“ Why, child,'* said the bustling hostess, “ the 
band of the fearful Melendez is now without a 
leader, and they have dispersed, every one plunder- 
ing on his own hook. Such a journey would be too 
dangerous." 

Nona quietly replied to these observations that 
her business would not admit of any delay, and she 
engaged fresh mules and a couple of good muleteers, 


196 


The Diamond Seeker, 


and set out upon tlie journey. The hard ride up 
the rude paths fatigued the young adventuress 
beyond measure, but her courage and resolution did 
not flag for a moment. She had with her the ever 
present consciousness of her lover^s peril, and also 
the danger of Mrs. Vallos, and she scarcely allowed 
herself or the mules necessary rest in her impa- 
tience. 

“We ought to be there by this time,’' said one of 
the muleteers, riding up to Nona, and addressing 
her, late in the afternoon. “ I’m afraid that we 
have lost our way. Is that chart o’ yours a good 
one ?” 

“ Yes, I can rely upon it,” said Nona, looking at 
the chart, and then at the wilderness around her. 
“ But there is no such place as this marked on it. I 
am afraid we have taken the wrong path !” 

The muleteers consulted together, and Nona 
answered the questions of her servants with appar- 
ent calmness, but as she again looked around, and 
saw the thick growth of tree and brush on every 
hand, rendering the evidently long unused mule-path 
almost impenetrable, the truth stared her in the face 
— she was lost ! 

Summoning all her energy to her aid, she rode 
back to the muleteers, and asked their opinion 
whether it would be better to retrace their steps 
until they discovered another path, or proceed they 
knew not whither. 

“ I think,” said the one who had before addressed 


Nora Lost and Fomid, 


197 


her, ‘‘ that we had better go back a few miles. This 
path will be stopped up by the bushes as we 
advance. We had better hurry about it, too, for the 
bandits may attack us at any moment, should they 
happen to know of our wanderings up here.” 

Nona assented with a troubled heart and many 
anxieties, and the little party turned to retrace their 
steps. At the same moment, a mounted band of 
five or six men, armed and equipped in the most 
savage manner, made their appearance in the mule- 
path, directly in their way, and one who acted as 
spokesman for the party, asked : 

“ Where are you going, and who are you ?” 

The bandits !” cried one of the muleteers, seiz- 
ing his pistol as he spoke. “ Do not be afraid, lady ; 
I will protect you with my life !” 

The bandit, for he was evidently one of the late 
fraternity of robbers, laughed as he said : 

‘^Come, come, can't you answer decent ques- 
tions ?” 

“ I seek a gentleman called Senor Pizarro,” said 
Nona, in the hope of disarming their foes. 

The bandits recognized the name of the man who 
had outwitted their chief, having heard it from 
Senor Ruiz after his return home, and the one who 
had before spoken, shouted : 

“ So you are seeking Senor Pizarro ! Perhaps we 
can help you to find him ; at any rate, we will take 
you in charge. You are worth a handsome ransom, 


198 


The Diamond Seeker. 


my pretty lady, and Senor Pizarro will have to give 
lip his diamonds to obtain his lady-love.” 

Nona's cheeks flushed with anger, and she handed 
a pistol to her slave, Moro, saying : 

Fight for your mistress, my good Moro, and you 
shall be rewarded.” 

She drew a small pistol from her bosom and fired 
into the advancing file of bandits, wounding one 
severely. 

Do not advance another step,” she commanded, 

or you die !” 

The bandits were momentarily paralyzed by the 
girl's courage and presence of mind, but the next 
moment dashed forward more determined to take 
her prisoner than before. 

A regular fight now commenced. The muleteers 
fought bravely, defending Nona as best they could, 
and Nona herself wounded another of the men 
mortally. Moro followed the example of his 
mistress as well as he could, with his shrieking wife 
imploring him not to hurt the good bandits. 

At length the unequal contest was decided. The 
muleteers were overpowered, and the little party 
were all taken prisoners. 

I must say you've got spirit,” said one of the 
bandits, addressing Nona, ‘‘but you are a prisoner 
at last. You've done for two of our men, and we 
shall charge Senor Pizarro extra for that. Shut up, 
you old fool,” he added, addressing the wife of 


Nona Lost and Found, 


199 


Moro, who was kneeling* to one of the robbers and 
begging him to spare them. 

“ Oh, good bandit, let ns go this time. Please do, 
good robber !’' she shrieked, terrified at the tone the 
man used. 

The robber gave her an impatient push over 
among the bushes, and set out on their march, carry- 
ing with them their dead and wounded, and followed 
by the now silent negress. 

In this way they proceeded with their captives for 
two or three miles until they reached a little glade 
where a fire was already lighted and another robber 
awaited them. A frugal supper was soon divided 
among them, Nona refusing a morsel of food, and a 
short time thereafter the bandits stretched them- 
selves on their blankets and slept. 

Nona’s hands had been tied, but she succeeded in 
freeing them after a long struggle ; and began to 
hope that she might yet escape. Retaining all her 
self-possession, she stole forward and unbound the 
muleteers, who had been watching her movements 
anxiously and with admiration, and with the two 
slaves, whom they succeeded in awaking without 
noise, they took their mules and stole away from 
the robbers’ encampment. 

It was some moments before the poor girl allowed 
herself to answer her companions* whispers ; but at 
length they were safe and beyond hearing, and she 
expressed her gratification. 

At a late hour that night the little party, who had 


200 


The Diamond Seeker. 


ix 


become entirely discouraged with their wanderings, 
were about to halt in despair, when they heard 
voices and the sound of hoofs. On entering the 
main mule path, Nona met Pizarro and the Count 
de Paos and Berta. 




CHAPTER XXIIL 

CONCLUSION. 

The Emperor of Brazil sat in his chair of state, 
while elegantly dressed courtiers thronged the apart- 
ments around him. It was a reception day, and 
foreign ministers, ambitious nobles, and smiling 
women, had successively obtained audience with his 
majesty, and still the ceremony of presentation went 
on. The false Count de Paos, in his elegant court 
dress, and wearing an air of unusual pride and 
hauteur, stood just back of the emperor’s chair, 
occasionally exchanging words with his majesty. 
His disappointment in regard to Nona had appar- 
ently had little effect upon him, or else he hoped 
that he should recover her soon, for his habitually 
suave manner was not in the least disturbed, and 
not a look of anxiety could be detected upon his 
countenance. Evidently, all went well with him. 
He was high in the favor of his royal master, and 
his wife was in prison, from which she would 
undoubtedly emerge a convict. In the midst of hi^ 


202 


The Diamond Seeker, 


triumph and exultation, at the very moment when he 
was plotting to regain Nona, the usher announced 
in a loud tone : 

“ The Count de Paos and his daughter V* 

Is the Count a relative of yours ?” asked his 
majesty, addressing his secretary. 

The false Count did not reply. He could only 
gaze in astonishment at the gentleman who had just 
been announced. He recognized the Count instantly, 
even though the pallor of his face and the thinness 
of his form had destroyed much of his resemblance 
to himself. The true Count was splendidly attired 
in a court dress, and he had a distinguished appear- 
ance as he approached the emperor, with his lovely 
daughter leaning upon his arm, also attired magnifi- 
cently. Both of the late captives had recovered 
from their extreme weakness, and the Count walked 
firmly, notwithstanding that he had not become 
entirely free in the use of his limbs. 

The surprise and consternation of Joas Vallos was 
beyond description. His self-possession forsook 
him for a few moments, during which he stared at 
the new comers with a pallid face and hurried 
breathing. He was recalled to himself, however, by 
observing that his majesty and the whole court 
were regarding him with a questioning gaze, and the 
true Count and his daughter with a look of horror. 

I ask your majesty’s protection for myself and 
child,” said the Count de Paos, after saluting the 


Conclusion, 


20 


emperor. “ I petition you for redress at the hands 
of that man/' and he indicated the secretary. 

‘‘ What does this mean, Count ?’* asked his majesty, 
in a tone of surprise, as he addressed Joas Vallos. 
“ How does it happen that there are two represen- 
tatives of your ancient house ?" 

‘‘These persons, your majesty," said Vallos, 
coolly, “ are imposters ! I certainly do not remem- 
ber having ever seen them before, but I have heard 
of a fellow who has assumed my name on different 
occasions. This must be the man !" 

The emperor, not quite satisfied with this state- 
ment, regarded the new comers attentively. It was 
impossible to associate the idea of falsehood with 
the noble face and dignified demeanor of the true 
Count and his pure and refined daughter. 

“ Perhaps I did not hear correctly," he said, 
addressing the Count. “ Who are you ?" 

“ I am the Count de Paos," was the firm reply. 

Joas Vallos momentarily shrank back from the 
stem gaze of the man he had injured, but the won- 
dering looks he saw on every side again restored 
his self-possession. There was silence throughout 
the vast saloon. A breathless wonder began to 
affect the courtiers, and all were eager to behold 
the real Count and his daughter, whose extreme 
beauty rendered her an object of increased interest. 

“Are you the daughter of the Count de Paos ?" 
asked the emperor, addressing Berta. “ How does 
all this happen ?" 


204 


The Diamond Seeker, 


Thus addressed, Berta took courage, and com- 
menced her story in a low tone, but as she spoke of 
the villainy of the man who had so cruelly treated 
her father and herself, her voice grew clear and 
musical with her pathos, and she told her story with 
a force that brought sympathizing tears from many 
eyes unused to weep, and excited universal sympa- 
thy and wonder. She detailed her father’s suffer- 
ings, and concluded with a just tribute to their noble 
preserver, Jose Pizarro. 

A breathless silence succeeded the recital, during 
which Joas Vallos watched the face of his sovereign, 
in doubt whether to laugh at the testimony just 
given, or look out for his own safety. The emperor 
looked Vallos steadily in the face, and saw the 
guilty flush upon his cheek and the uneasy glitter 
of h*is eye, and began to comprehend the villainy of 
the man upon whom he had heaped so many favors. 
The silence was broken by the new Portuguese 
minister, who advanced and said : 

I thought it singular, your majesty, that my old 
friend the Count de Paos should not recognize me 
the many times we have met in your presence. We 
have been infamously deceived. I recognize in this 
gentleman, who has been so foully wronged, my old 
friend, the true Count de Paos !” 

As he spoke, the minister greeted the Count 
warmly, and also welcomed his daughter to the cir- 
cle she was so well fitted to adorn. The emperor 
turned to Vallos with a look of indignation. 


Conclusion, 


205 


The horrified wretch turned to fiee. 

What, ho, my guard V* cried the emperor ; 
** seize yonder miscreant V* 

The imperial guard rushed forward to execute 
this order, and the miserable Joas Vallos was borne 
struggling from the palace. 

‘‘ As to you, Count de Paos,*' said the emperor, 
when all had once more become silent, you shall 
dine with me this day, and I will further hear your 
story ! Your beautiful daughter shall have the 
highest favor of our gracious empress ! and that 
villain shall have his trial forthwith.*' 

The Count de Paos and his daughter signified their 
gratitude to the emperor for the justice so sum- 
marily dealt ; and the emperor, in turn, expressed 
to the Count his sorrow that such a wrong should 
have been done, and his pleasure in finding the 
real Count such a noble representative of his illus- 
trious house. The ladies of the court overwhelmed 
Berta with attentions, attracted by her beauty and 
her misfortunes ; and the poor girl, to whom a kind 
word, except from her father, had been unknown for 
the past four years, found herself surrounded by 
friends who caressed and admired her, and the 
recipient of the utmost honor. 

We need not Unger upon the events which fol- 
lowed. Not the least surprised among the specta- 
tors was Senor Dos Montes, who was on that very 
morning to have audience with his majesty concern- 
ing the prime ministership, and who now stole away 


2o6 


The Diamond Seeker, 


to his estate, with feelings of mortification and 
shame. He found Nona waiting to receive him, and 
after mutual explanations, Senor Dos Montes 
accorded to his daughter his cordial forgiveness, 
and received hers in return, at the same time 
renouncing his ambitious dreams. 

A few days of inquiry and research brought out 
the mystery of the whole affair, and resulted in the 
release of our hero and Mrs. Vallos, in the transpor- 
tation of Joas Vallos to the penal settlement of Bra- 
zil for life, and in the elevation of the true count to 
all the honors which had been bestowed upon the 
false one. 

Senor Dos Montes gladly acceded to the repeated 
demand of Bertram Bavaro for the hand of his 
daughter, and so, on a sunny day, a few months 
later, in the gorgeous cathedral of Petropolis, 
Bertram and Nona, and Pizarro and Berta, were 
married in the presence of the chief dignitaries of 
the empire, and entered upon the career of happi- 
ness to which they were so well entitled. 


THE END. 


COUSIN PONS 




TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF 


HONORE DE BALZAC. 


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